No doubt Hales' supposed vulnerability outside off stump will get mentioned again now. It's got all the makings of book title - Alex Hales and the Corridor of Uncertainty maybe? On saying that, it was a good nut. You could argue he didn't have to play, but then again that's what he's there for. Three off the over for Root.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Hales will be disappointed because he'll have been starting to think three figures, thinking he might get his first Test century in only his second match"

Is this the opening South Africa needed? Root is the new man - he watches Compton punch a rare short one from Piedt to cover's left for a boundary before opening his own account with a leg-side single.

Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician

"That's 200 dismissals in the field for AB de Villiers in Test cricket."

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It's going straight to first slip but De Villiers is a great catcher. He saw it and he wanted it."

England 128-1 (43 overs)

Batsmen: Hales 60* (136), Compton 30* (76)

Bowling: Morkel 8-2-23-0, Morris 12-2-38-0, Rabada 11-1-45-1, Piedt 12-5-20-0

Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Cook, 27)

England won the toss

Image source, AFP

Chances have been few and far between for South Africa today - remember, their only wicket came courtesy of a blinding catch from Morris at third slip to remove Alastair Cook. Where are nine more wickets going to come from? Morne Morkel is handed the ball - can he provide the answer?

Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician

Image source, Getty Images

"There were 34 runs in the first five overs after lunch and only 18 in 11 overs since then."

If there's precious little spin for Piedt, there's even less bounce. Hales almost blocks that with the toe of his bat as Piedt wheels away on or around off stump. The offie could be in for a heavy workload in this innings... And that's drinks.

I've never understood this about cricket. Morris bowls, Compton defends back down the pitch, Morris picks the ball up... then throws it to the wicketkeeper, who then passes it to slip and round the ring of fielders, presumably just so the designated ball polisher can keep himself busy. A strange breed, cricketers. A sliced Compton drive - slightly uppish - for four through point is the closest we come to a chance in that over.

Jason Whitley: Well done Alex Hales for being England's leading run scorer in 2016 so far.

Cannes Apartments: I like Compton. Great temperament and just what we need after the past troubles with number 3. Get off his back.  

This ball may be 40 overs old but Piedt is struggling to find even the slightest hint of turn. A tough assignment for a spinner on day-one pitch. A single apiece for Hales and Compton, easy pickings.

Chris Morris doesn't look like the sort of chap who spends much time doing his hair in the morning. Sweat-stained and sporting the sort of fringe the naughty kids had at high school, he continues to charge in. Hales helps himself to four off his hips to fine leg, a gimme. Morris' reply? A bouncer which soars over Hales' head.

Graeme Smith
Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I've enjoyed Piedt today. There hasn't been a huge amount on offer but his consistency has been good and he's used the breeze beautifully. He's got a little bit of drift and his lines have been really good."

Nice to have you with us, Piers. Good New Year? Get up to much?

South Africa have got their act together now. Much, much tidier. Piedt twirling, Hales pushing - and picking out the fielders until he collects one to long-on.

Morris keeps hammering that channel outside off stump, trying to draw the batsmen into an ill-judged stroke. If you'd asked me half an hour ago, I would have said you've got no chance of making our Nick play anything close to a rash shot. Judging by what's gone on in the 40 minutes since lunch, a Compton defensive stroke comes as a surprise. He surprises me by seeing out a maiden.