England vs South Africa 2017: 1st Test Day 3, 5 talking points

Modified Jul 09, 2017 00:48 IST

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 08: Alistair Cook of England in action on day three of the 1st Investec Test match between England and South Africa at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) — Alastair Cook made full use of helpful batting conditions to score a half-century

#2 Depleted South Africa punished by openers

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 08: Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings of England run out to bat during day three of the 1st Investec Test match between England and South Africa at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) — England's openers walked out confidently and played some good looking shots

Losing Philander was a disaster for South Africa. With the Lord's pitch looking perfect for batting, South Africa needed Philander's magic with the new ball. Sadly, they did not have that and instead had Morkel opening the bowling with Rabada. The openers, Cook and Jennings, played cautiously at the start, negotiating the bounce and pace of the new ball pair.

Cook soon got into his groove by smashing Maharaj and Morkel for two fours each. Jennings meanwhile seemed content to play second fiddle to his senior partner. The duo put on a half-century stand, effectively slimming South Africa's chances in the game, before Morne Morkel ended Jennings' stay at the crease.

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Edited by Staff Editor