With Piedt doing a tidy job at one end, South Africa can rotate the beasties from the other. Morkel off, Abbott on. Oh, that's lovely from Joe Root, a back-foot drive that rattles into the cover fence. Tendulkar-esque. If England carry on like this, they will be about 150-2 at the close. That would be quite an even match.

Ben Wear: Re 15:07. The suggestion of Bairstow to open by John Herring is surely a sick joke...? Compton to open and Taylor to move up to three.

Jimbo Worldwide: Compton to open, Taylor to 3, Bairstow to 5, Buttler (wk) to 7. Problem solved.

Image source, Getty Images

Root decides to shift the pressure back on to Piedt, using his feet to take a couple through the covers. As ever, Root has moved his score along without anyone really noticing. Nudge, run. Push, scamper. See bad ball, belt it.

Mark Boucher
Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"The one thing I like about England is they know the odd ball is misbehaving, but they haven't gone into their shell. They've looked to be positive and they're moving the game forward. I like the attitude of these two batsmen - it's great Test cricket to watch."

It's good cricket this. The bowlers doing a good job in conditions just starting to help them, trying to find a way past of the best batsmen in the world. The game is nicely poised, England trying to bat themselves back into it, South Africa striving for the wickets that will give them control. Morkel to Cook, the skipper inside-edging on to pad and lucky to see the ball drop short of point.

I wonder if Dane Piedt is in for the rest of the day. He's teasing Cook around the off stump, almost getting the skipper to edge a cut shot behind. Hello, where's that come from? Big, big turn past the groping edge of the skipper. First the dodgy bounce, now the turn. You wouldn't want to be the team batting last.

Mike Ball: Cook and Root steadying things after a number of dropped catches in the field. This match has a familiar feel about it.

Image source, Getty Images

Morkel casts a long shadow as he lifts his knees towards Joe Root. When he drops short, Root throws the kitchen sink, taps, washing up liquid and rubber gloves at a cut shot that goes over gully for four. After that, there's slight excitement from behind at one that keeps a touch low. Expect plenty more of that chat. 

Mark Boucher
Former South Africa wicketkeeper on BBC Test Match Special

"We said this would happen to the pitch, but I must admit I didn't think it would happen so early in the game."

South Africa's over rate has been decent, so we might get the full 90 in before 16:00. Obviously we should actually get them in before 15:30, but let's not get silly. 13 more to go. England will be looking for nor further losses. It won't be long before a nightwatchman is summoned.

Jon Herring: Could Jonny Bairstow open? Then could bring Jos Buttler back?

Close!published at 32 overs

32 overs

Eng 101-2

Oooofff. The uneven bounce almost does for another England batsman, as Joe Root edges one that keeps a touch low. Root's soft hands stop the ball from carrying to the diving Quinton de Kock. You really do feel that batting is only going to get harder from this point on.

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Cook's played as well you can. He doesn't look like he's going to get out."

50 for Alastair Cookpublished at 15:00

15:00

Eng 100-2

Image source, Getty Images

Well batted, skipper. Alastair Cook goes to his first half-century of the series by punching Dane Piedt off the back foot through the covers for four. The Barmy Army, complete with trumpet accompaniment, sing his name. It could be big from the Chef. 

The TMS team have been picked up by the television pictures. Henry Blofeld is now wearing his pink shirt and flat cap. He looks like he's going clay-pigeon shooting for charity. Morne Morkel back into the attack, causing Cook a touch of strife from round the wicket. 

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"You've a job to do for yourself; you've a job to do for the team - you've got to set a platform. But Hales gets out in funny ways. His technique and footwork is not good enough for Test cricket. He may never get it. I've never been convinced."

During that drinks break, Justin Goulding reminded me of Compton throwing his wicket away in the last Test. Now he's been stuffed by a grubber. Just goes to show how you should never take a Test innings for granted. Back on the field, Cook nails a sweep to take four of Piedt.

Diccon Thornely: In golf they call it members' bounce!! Feels tough that of all the England team it happened to the one born in South Africa.