After some discussion on our desk about whether to have milk in your tea (the Sri Lankans apparently take a dim view of those tourists who do) we continue, but not before another delay as a fielder inserts some padding. A pained cry of "Get on with it!" rings out across the effects microphones. Root is still providing plenty of entertainment for the crowd and he drags a sweep at Maharaj from well wide of the off stump for his 20th four.

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

England have been busy during this period. They know the last 10 overs before the new ball is going to be crucial.

He's been out there since the sixth over of the morning but Root can still scamper through for a rapid two into the cover, fully aware of the flagging South African fielders. He then flicks a full toss on off stump from De Bruyn through mid-wicket for his 19th four. Runs flowing as the mid-fields mount up. Another drinks break, even though we've still got 20 more overs to get in today.

We've been running a vote throughout the day, asking if Joe Root will be a good Test captain. It's pretty conclusive, according to you guys - 88% think he'll do a good job. He's not had a bad start today...

Two slips and a gully for Morkel, who is in his 16th over of the day but still up around 88mph. The TV cameras select a caption illustrating how Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith all have higher batting averages as captain than as one of the foot soldiers. Is Joe going to join them in the future?

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

There's been no inventiveness from South Africa. They are just hoping one of the batsmen makes a mistake.

There are further delays with setting the field and the crowd are not happy, they make their feelings known with some traditional English jeers. The part-time military medium seam of De Bruyn, in only his second Test, returns from the Pavilion End. He is not going to trouble a batsman of Root's calibre and the captain flicks two more boundaries stylishly into the leg side.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

South Africa's body language has been weak this afternoon, there's been no urgency. They look lethargic and as though they are going through the motions. Get on with it!

Two slips and a gully as the giant figure of Morkel scurries in from the Nursery End. Moeen content to shoulder arms and preserve his wicket.

Image source, Reuters

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

South Africa should be challenging themselves to bowl England out before the close. Mark Wood, Stuart Broad and James Anderson won't be fancying scoring too many runs against this attack.

England have yet to beat South Africa in a Lord's Test since readmission, losing four of the last five at the Home of Cricket. Dramatic scenes as Root sweeps at one wide of off stump from Maharaj and gets a bottom edge, which flies into the visor of wicketkeeper De Kock. That would have probably ended his tour had he not been wearing a helmet.

We should never need an excuse to have another look at a glorious straight drive for six by the England captain.

Philander tails one in to the right-handed Root and it was destined to rattle the timbers but Root gets some bat on it with a clip to the leg side. Reverse swing from the seamers will be a test for the England batsmen late on this challenging opening day.

Craig from Norwich

Lovely footwork from Moeen and he launches Maharaj down the ground for his fourth boundary. A couple of hours of Moeen will do wonders for the scoring rate.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Joe Root has played the situation so well. We talk about the little bit of luck he's had but since he got to 20-25, he's controlled the game. He's always going to score runs if he sticks around. He's got all the shots.

Philander from the Nursery End, I wonder how that area will change in the years to come. Anyone going to get a mortgage sorted out for one of those flats?, external Kevin Pietersen, in a white t-shirt, not from the market I wouldn't think, is quaffing a glass of something chilled and sparkling. He is one of the few who could afford one of those flats. South African golfer Ernie Els is also in attendance but he has his back to the action at present. Gentle singles for both batsmen.

Jack Blackburn: Only one innings, but Root looks greater in stature and now has a sturdy maturity to him. Looked determined to convert his score.

Eng 236-5published at 16:42 British Summer Time 6 July 2017

16:42 BST 6 July 2017

Root 114, Moeen 15

Root strides purposefully down the wicket to loft Maharaj over long-off for his first six of the day. He then picks up a four with another deft sweep on one knee, Rabada pawing at the ball having chased it all the way back to the fine-leg boundary and he is contact with the leather when his feet are on the rope.

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