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

#1 Rain plays spoilsport as Cook holds firm

Alastair Cook compiled a fine half-century interrupted by rains

The lush green Oval had just started to witness some real action when rain tumbled down breaking the dark clouds that had silently swerved the red cherry through the defences of England batsmen all day long. The players had an extended tea break as rain kept them away from all action.

When the game resumed, Ben Stokes and Alastair Cook continued to practise perfecting their defences against a four-pronged Proteas seam attack that had been relentless all day long. Heavens soon opened up again much to the frustration of both teams, although none would have been as disturbed as Alastair Cook.

The southpaw has compiled a stable, good-looking, typical 'Alastair Cook' half-century, his 55th in Test cricket, but failed to get completely settled at the wicket owing to the rains.