South Africa vs England 2017: 1st Test Day 2, 5 talking points

#2 All-round Ali has South Africa in a tangle

Moeen Ali exposed South Africa’s woes against spin bowling

If his quickfire knock wasn't enough, Moeen Ali made use of the rough created by Kagiso Rabada's footmarks to trouble the Proteas batsmen. He generated vicious turn on a rapidly degenerating wicket and reminded the South African batsmen of their woes in India.

Amla was undone by a sharp off-spinner off the first ball he faced from Ali. In the absence of Faf du Plessis, Amla was South Africa's fulcrum and Ali broke the back of their innings with that wicket. Elgar, who had weathered the storm, found himself inside edging the wily off-spinner to short-leg to end his vigil at the crease.