England vs South Africa 2017: 1st Test Day 1, 5 talking points

Modified Jul 07, 2017 00:16 IST

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: Joe Root of England bats during day one of the 1st Investec Test Match between England and South Africa at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 6, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) — Root made his captaincy debut memorable with a spectacular hundred

#3 England cripple South Africa by targeting Maharaj

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 27: Keshav Maharaj of South Africa fields as he bowls during day three of the Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at Seddon Park on March 27, 2017 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images) — Maharaj had an off day at Lord's as Root and co attacked him

Such has been Keshav Maharaj's influence in Tests for South Africa since his debut that holding up one end seemed a given. However, England cracked South Africa's plan by going after the left-arm spinner. Ben Stokes slammed him for a six off the second ball he faced from him while Root and Ali swept and toyed with him.

He was never allowed to settle as Root and Stokes constantly took the attack to him. Under pressure Elgar was forced to turn to Theunis de Bruyn but Root took a liking to the part-timer and hit him out of the attack. Maharaj ended the day conceding at a rate of 4.9.

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Edited by Staff Editor