South Africa v England, 1st Test: 5 things we learned from England’s victory

Vithushan Ehantharajah picks out five things we learned from England’s victory over South Africa in the first test in Durban.

MAN OF THE MATCH – MOEEN ALI

While this page isn’t in the business of tooting it’s own horn, not least because those of you playing at home have probably spotted a few dud calls over the last six months, it was nice to see Moeen come through at Durban. Seven wickets earned him the official MOTM gong, sealed with three quick ones on the fifth morning. With the third ball of the day, AB de Villiers was trapped in front from around the wicket, and a 241-run victory soon followed. The most exciting part of Moeen’s performance from England’s perspective was not just that his first innings figures of four for 69 were his best since August 2014, but that his economy rates were 2.76 (25 overs) and 1.80 (26). That first figure doesn’t tell the whole story: in the first innings, he bowled a 14-over stretch without conceding a boundary. More runs with the bat would have been nice, but we can’t be too picky.

COMPTON’S RETURN: 85, 49

There was a moment in the last English summer, when a frustrated Nick Compton, having fallen 13 short of what would have been a brilliant century at Lord’s for Middlesex, struggled to hide his anger. He knew he needed hundreds to push his England case and subsequently reeled off 10 occasions in the last two seasons that he had failed to reach three figures when well set. So, when Compton began this Test, his first since May 2013, there was a worry that he might want it too much: that his natural intensity would bubble over and he’d not do himself justice. After all, a second impression rarely makes up for a poor opening one. But not only did Compton keep his cool as England slumped to 12 for two and then 49 for three, but he also showcased his shot-making ability to punish anything off length, to top score with 85. His second innings 49 came at a faster lick as a sizeable lead was built. He’ll be peeved to have left both unconverted. But secretly he’ll be chuffed that he has shown his detractors that his game is one that still suits modern Test cricket.

SOUTH AFRICA IN DISARRAY

The problems are mounting for the hosts, who are on the cusp of yet another Test overhaul. The first was somewhat unavoidable, with Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis, two titans of the game, retiring. Another two could soon follow. Hashim Amla’s merits as captain have been called into question, not least because his last ten Tests have only produced 150 runs. While any shift on Amla’s position will be down to his role in the XI rather than his place in it, AB de Villiers might take matters into his own hands and cut himself out of it completely. During the match, he spoke of needing to address his own personal schedule and cut down on his output, especially now he has taken up the gloves again – a decision which Smith ranks as “terrible”. Throw Dale Steyn’s shoulder injury into the mix, seasoned with Vernon Philander’s continued absence (until the third Test at least) and the short term isn’t looking too promising for the current Test number ones. The CSA selectors have looked to address that by adding Chris Morris and Quinton de Kock to the Test squad for the second Test.

BAIRSTOW TICKS ONE BOX

Like it or not, Test wicketkeepers are batsmen first and keepers second. And Jonny Bairstow was always going to get the former right since he showed he had a greater understanding of his batting during the 2014 season. The backlift, pathway of the bat and footwork have come on leaps and bounds, culminating in his second innings 79 – his highest score since his 95 at Lord’s in 2012, against the same opposition. As for the second bit, well that’s going to take a bit more time. Both he and Jos Buttler have been culpable of some match-turning missed stumpings in the last 12 months. His miss off AB de Villiers in the second innings, who was beaten as he advanced to a turning delivery from Moeen Ali, was a bad one. But, like Buttler, he is learning on (and off) the job. Eventually, you’d hope these mistakes will be cut out. In the meantime, it’s worth noting that those with superior keeping skills add little value elsewhere to this England side.

THE ENGLAND MEDICAL TEAM

It’s easy to take one victory and extrapolate on-field success to even the most remote corners of a team set-up. But there’s a case to do so here. Steven Finn, ruled out of the tour a month ago, returned to take six wickets in this Test, including three of the top five in the second innings as part of his four for 42. Since going home during the first Test against Pakistan in the UAE, his rehab and recovery from a stress fracture in his foot has been managed to pinpoint precision, resulting in this performance in which he bowled briskly and produced the odd brute which lifted off a length (just ask Faf du Plessis). Given Matt Prior played the final part of his England career in 2014 with an ankle as decimated as this (WARNING: not for the faint of heart), it’s welcome progress.