The rankings don't lie...published at 07:50
International Cricket Council Test rankings
- South Africa: 114 rating
- India: 110
- Australia: 109
- Pakistan: 106
- New Zealand: 99
- England: 99
- Sri Lanka: 89
- West Indies 76
- Bangladesh: 47
- Zimbabwe: 5
Summary
Taylor 70, Compton 63*; Steyn 3-29
England recover from 12-2 and 49-3
Rain delays start; bad light ends play early
SA won toss; four-Test series
The rankings don't lie...published at 07:50
How will England fare?published at 07:49
England, according to some, have got no chance in South Africa.
The Proteas do have AB De Villiers, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in their ranks... but there are plenty of form and injury clouds hovering.
England, in my very humble opinion, are a team on the up. Lots of talent, lots of potential and lots to be excited about.
Weather forecastpublished at 07:42
BBC Weather's John Hammond does have better news concerning the weather, however:"Showers in the vicinity of Durban for the first day’s play, so I expect some interruptions – though hopefully not a washout. The cloud will suppress the temperatures too – low 20s Celsius.
"However the rain risk will diminish after today, so few if any interruptions from Day 2 onwards. It’ll warm up too – reaching the high 20s over the following few days."
Start delayed - but not for longpublished at 07:36
Before we steam in from the Boxing Day Test End, however, let me tell you that play has been delayed by 30 minutes because of overnight rain. Therefore, we'll have the toss at 08:00 GMT, and play will begin at 08:30 GMT.
Morning!published at 07:30
We've had the presents, turkey and the red wine.
We're sick of listening to Wham, Cliff Richard and Shakin' Stevens.
The extended family are getting close to outstaying their welcome.
And the thought of heading to the Boxing Day sales is about as appealing as facing Dale Steyn on a green top in South Africa.
Shall we just sit on the sofa and follow the cricket?