James Anderson, round the wicket, gets his fourth ball to climb into the thigh of the left-handed Dean Elgar. That delivery piqued the interest of England's slip cordon.

A maiden to start.

James Anderson is at the top of his mark, Dean Elgar has taken his guard.

Play.

Vernon Philander
Former South Africa fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special

It's important that South Africa start well and there is that added pressure on Dean Elgar after choosing to bat first.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special

I think we're in for a really gripping morning session. Everything is crying out to bowl first. Everything, that is, except the pitch.

It's a real opportunity for England's bowlers to take some wickets here.

Both the national anthems are done, and England's players are having a quick huddle. James Anderson is peeling off his sleeveless cable-knit sweater ready to bowl the first over from the end of the ground named after him.

South Africa's openers are striding out to the middle.

BBC Radio 4

Image source, Jonny Bairstow, Brendon McCullum

England batter Jonny Bairstow, speaking to Radio 4 about Brendon McCullum: "I think he is bringing a confidence to things, a lot of clarity to the way in which he wants me to go out and play.

"That's a great attribute that he's got is empowering people to go out and be the best version of themselves.

He's definitely someone that will grab you at training or have a chat with you in the hotel or grab a coffee or whatever it may be that he feels the time is right."

Vic Marks
Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

It's overcast, it's a bit humid. You'd think it's going to swing around a bit this morning.

Driving to Manchester this morning there was the occasional spot of rain on my windscreen. There's grey skies and it feels like there's a little bit of moisture around.

It looks like the weather will not impact things too much today, although light might be an issue later in the day you sense.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport chief cricket writer at Emirates Old Trafford

I'll be honest, I'm a little bit stunned at all that. Once South Africa picked Harmer (a brilliant bowler, by the way), they had to bat first. But to leave out Jansen, bat first in these conditions and let master-chasers England in for another runchase feels like a big gamble. Still, keep in mind no team has ever won a Test here after winning the toss and bowling.

Sank: Brave decision by South Africa to bat first.

Steven Finn
Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

England will not be disappointed at all with the way this has panned out with the toss.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar: "There's a little bit overhead but we've got to play what's in front of us and it looks quite dry, hence why we've gone with the extra spin option with Simon Harmer.

"When you go with two spinners, you have to back yourself, go positive and bat first. Pretty excited to have Harmy back. Marco Jansen misses out, he did nothing wrong in the first game but it is just horses for courses.

"It's always a bowling day in Manchester! It always looks like this but I'm looking at what is in front of us with regards to the wicket that has been prepared. We couldn't have asked for a better start and to get a win at Lord's was pretty special but that's in the past and the scoreboard is back to nought now."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Ben Stokes also spoke at the toss about whether there was any doubts about sticking with opening batter Zak Crawley, who has struggled this summer.

"Absolutely not," he added. "The wider of the picture is the team ethos is bigger than any individual goal. A big score is round the corner for both openers. We are allowed hiccups along the way. Sport is designed for a winner an a loser, and things didn't go our way at Lord's. "

Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special

The two captains had two completely different views. Who has taken the biggest gamble, I wonder.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar: "It was a great start to a really tough series [at Lord's]. The way we conducted ourselves on and off the field was brilliant, but that is in the past. We have to go again in Manchester."

England captain Ben Stokes: "We were going to have a bowl so it worked out okay! I think it looks fantastic bowling conditions with the attack we have.

"It's great for Ollie Robinson to be back in. The dedication he has shown to get back in is a sign of what he can bring, along with a great skill set. He has that added bounce which could be an asset at Old Trafford."