Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"There are runs leaking. The eight byes, a couple of misfields. England have to win this session."

Mmm... that's an interesting and possibly correct assessment from Michael Vaughan. Are we seeing the beginning of the end of Jimmy's reign? I must admit, seeing somebody other than Jimmy taking the new ball on the first morning of a Test would feel more alien than putting a lead on a cat and taking it for a walk (I've seen that happen!).

Out on the field, the 50 partnership is brought up when Stuart Broad concedes eight byes from a pacey, if wayward, opening over.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Jimmy Anderson is bowling nicely and consistently but it's not very threatening. Finn and Stokes got more out of the pitch because of their extra pace. They might be able to get something to happen. The decision to bowl Anderson seems to be based on reputation."

Unless Ben Stokes is batting, the first over of any new day is generally gentle in pace. Bowlers blow out the cobwebs, batsmen readjust to the conditions and fielders psyche themselves up in different ways: some are vocal, some silently ponder. Even the spectators keep things simple.

It's the cricketing equivalent of getting up and putting the kettle on. One from the over.

South Africa 267-7 (89 overs)

Batsmen: Morris 26*, Rabada 20*

Fall of wickets: 44-1 (Van Zyl 21), 117-2 (Elgar 46), 127-3 (Amla 40), 161-4 (De Villiers 36), 185-5 (Du Plessis 16), 212-6 (Bavuma 23), 225-7 (Vilas 26)

Bowling: Anderson 20-5-46-0, Broad 17-4-58-1, Finn 18-4-50-2, Moeen 16-4-50-1, Stokes 18-1-53-2

South Africa won toss

Full scorecard

James Anderson gently tweaks his field and then roars in for the first ball of the day. We're up and running.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"The pitch is going to offer something more today but will South Africa's inexperience cost them? Having said that I would prefer to have the runs on the board, having looked at the indentations on the pitch."

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"How will South Africa adapt when they come to bowl?

"England have to not make the mistakes that South Africa have and not gift their wickets away.

"They have to get their heads down, get used to the bounce and make the bowlers work hard. They must remember that even if it is tricky when they first arrive at the crease, this is a lovely pitch on which to bat if you get in. The ball comes on to the bat and you get value for the shots you play.

"England's plan will be to wrap up the South Africa innings as quickly as possible on the second morning, then apply themselves for as long as possible with the bat."

Read more of Jonathan's views here.

If you're more interested in the shorter forms, or perhaps you're an Indian or Aussie, you can listen to the second one-day international in Brisbane here.

Australia are 50-0, chasing 309 to win.

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

"South Africa have gone for all-out pace but if you get it wrong it's a fast-scoring ground and you can get hurt. That's the unknown factor for South Africa - can the bowlers put pressure on England's long batting order? 

"There are a lot of question marks about today and that makes it very interesting."

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

"South Africa will feel they've left something in the shed and could have cruised through the day with only four or five wickets down but they gave some wickets away.

"If South Africa had Steyn, Morkel and Philander I'd say England would be in trouble today but we don't know what this inexperienced attack will get out of the wicket."

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

"Finn's spell yesterday was great to watch but Broad and Anderson's lengths were poor and their decision-making in how they bowled, especially at the left-handers, wasn't great."

England fast bowler Steven Finn, speaking to Sky Sports: "After being asked to bowl first on a wicket which nobody knew how it would play, to have them seven down we were happy last night. We expect resistance from South Africa and we'll do our best to finish them off this morning.

"It will be interesting to see how they bowl with the new ball in our innings because it is an interesting wicket. There is some trampoline bounce if you don't get the right length."

BBC Test Match Special

Speaking of gladiators, we have some heavyweights of the broadcasting world to keep you entertained. Join Aggicus, Boycrelius and co on Test Match Special now. Listen via this page or on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Image source, Getty Images

Once England have taken three wickets and padded up, they will be facing a South Africa debutant with a fearsome reputation.

He's as tall as a tree, as wide as a bus and bowls as fast as Allan Donald.

His name sounds fittingly gladiatorial: Hardus Viljoen.

Alastair and Co... you have been warned.

Morning all, and welcome to day two of the third Test at a ground they fondly refer to as the Bullring.

South Africa, after winning the toss, will resume on 267-7 knowing a wagging tail could well and truly knock England off their stride.

The tourists have the second new ball in their possession on a pitch which is giving equal assistance to both batsmen and bowlers.

It should be good - so quickly grab a brew and settle down for another big day.

Image source, Reuters

You wouldn't normally catch me using that age-old cliche that today's first session is crucial, but...