South Africa vs England 2017: 2nd Test day 1, 5 talking points

#1 South Africa collapse, then recover

The way Philander is batting these days, South Africa can afford to go one batsman light as they did today

South Africa's trend of collapsing in a heap did not stop as Amla, Faf du Plessis and Bavuma departed in quick succession post the wicket of de Kock immediately after tea. What had looked like South Africa's day slowly turned in England’s favour as each one of the middle order batsmen fell to appalling shots.

Amla was done in by Broad's bouncer while du Plessis edged one off Stokes down the leg-side. Bavuma was bamboozled by a Stokes in-dipper and edged to Bairstow off a nothing shot to leave the two pace-bowling all-rounders with the task of resurrecting the innings.

Resurrect they did. Philander and Morris showed the way for the middle-order batsmen with textbook defence and immaculate drives. Philander, who is increasingly becoming a threatening batsman these days, compiled a fine half-century while Morris gave him good company with a solid 23. The unbroken 74 run partnership took South Africa to a respectable 309/6 at stumps.