South Africa vs. England, 1st Test, Day 1: Compton, Taylor Thwart Steyn and Co

Like many expected, rain had a big say in day one of the first Test between South Africa and England. Just over 65 overs were possible in Durban, but England will definitely be the happier of the two teams.

After a shaky start, losing Alastair Cook, Alex Hales and Joe Root early, Nick Compton and James Taylor knuckled down to steady the ship and help give England the edge at close of play on day one. After winning the toss and being put in to bat, England finished on 179-4, giving them the slightest edge at the end of the first day.

It was a day filled with intrigue, though, and here are some of the key talking points.

Alex Hales and the most ridiculous shot

Alastair Cook’s shot wasn’t much better, but Alex Hales definitely played one of the most absurd shots of the day. Rain had halted play, and upon returning, Hales played a loose drive that saw him caught behind and left England wobbling on 12-2.

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Alex Hales 10(22) c AB de Villiers b Dale Steyn https://t.co/jKGaSlcafM #SAvENG #cricingif pic.twitter.com/54oLsvwLfF

— Cricingif (@cricingif) December 26, 2015"

Sure, it might be Hales’ first Test, but all eyes are on him and his ability to adapt to Test cricket. If this is the kind of approach he takes, he’s not going to last long in the opening berth.

Compton and Taylor knuckle down

Hales will be especially regretful over his performance after the way Nick Compton played. Compton is the other "true" opener in the team and has done the job before but has been moved down the order for this Test.

He showed great patience and restraint on the first day, surviving until the close of play for 63 off a grinding 179 balls. Compton, as well as his batting partner James Taylor, showed great resolve to help put England back on track and give them the edge on day one.

The debate over Kyle Abbott ahead of Kagiso Rabada

While few can dispute the importance of a spinner on the track in Durban, it’s the debate over Kyle Abbott playing ahead of Kagiso Rabada that caused the most discussion.

There are a few reasons why Rabada’s omission for this Test makes sense. Firstly, he suffers from scoliosis. He needs to be managed very carefully in order to ensure he has a long career.

Secondly, Kingsmead is Abbott’s home ground and he is far more familiar with the conditions here than Rabada. As a seam bowler, Abbott is also more suited to the conditions. Unfortunately, Abbott has not looked threatening, so for the time being, the selection has backfired—for now.

South Africa’s bowling attack looks a bit toothless

There were times where South Africa’s bowling attacked looked good, but this was mostly when Dale Steyn was bowling. Dane Piedt’s dismissal of Joe Root was impressive, too, but other than a few odd deliveries, the Proteas will be pretty disappointed.

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Joe Root 24 (37) lbw b Dane Piedt https://t.co/yj0Yv5vIYq #SAvENG #cricingif pic.twitter.com/hgGJSNA2Id

— Cricingif (@cricingif) December 26, 2015"

Having won the toss and chosen to bowl, South Africa will have been hoping to dismiss England for under 200, especially considering the overhead conditions.

However, a combination of skill from Compton and Taylor, as well as lack of plans from the South Africans put them on the back foot.

Abbott, as already mentioned, was never really threatening, and Morkel hasn’t quite managed to find the lengths that brought him such great success in India recently.