England kept South Africa wicket-less through the first session of the third test on Thursday on a pitch that indicated days of hard toil ahead for the bowlers.
England went to lunch on 61-0 and with its two openers relatively comfortable. Dom Sibley was 30 not out to follow his breakthrough maiden test century in the series-trying win in the second test in Cape Town. Zak Crawley was 20 not out.
South Africa's fast-bowling attack drew little life and hardly any seam and swing from the surface at St. George's Park.
England's Zak Crawley plays a defensive shot during day one of the third cricket test between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (AP PhotoMichael Sheehan)
The four-test series is tied at 1-1, making England's win at the toss on a steamy morning an important development. Captain Joe Root jumped at the chance to bat first and retain the momentum following England's convincing 189 run-victory at Newlands.
Sibley hit four fours and faced 81 balls for his 30.
Crawley found the boundary twice and saw out 82 deliveries. Their progress was solid and England was intent to lay a platform as South Africa's attack rarely threatened.
South Africa's Dane Paterson bowls during day one of the third cricket test between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (AP PhotoMichael Sheehan)
South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock stood up to the stumps to pace bowler Vernon Philander as early as the seventh over of the match on a pitch that's renowned as being one of South Africa's slowest but appears especially benign for England's first test in Port Elizabeth since 2004.
Expectations are that St. George's will offer its traditional reverse swing and spin later in the test, and the team that bats second — South Africa — will have the toughest time.
England won that 2004 test by seven wickets and another victory 16 years later will ensure the tourists can't lose this series and put them in touching distance of a second straight series win in South Africa. The final test is in Johannesburg.
Zak Crawley of England plays a defensive stroke during day one of the third cricket test between South Africa and England in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020. (AP PhotoMichael Sheehan)
England made one team change, an enforced move following the series-ending rib injury for veteran fast bowler James Anderson in Cape Town. The tourists recalled fast bowler Mark Wood for his first test since last February. Injuries have contributed to Wood playing just five tests in over four years before his return at Port Elizabeth.
Jofra Archer still hasn't recovered from a right elbow injury, while Wood was favored over Chris Woakes despite his long periods out of the test team.
South Africa also made one change, a clear reaction to the pitch. Seamer Dane Paterson was brought in for his test debut to bolster the bowling. South Africa likes his ability to get the old ball to reverse swing. Allrounder Dwaine Pretorius missed out and South Africa gambled on six specialist batsmen being enough to regain the initiative in the series.
England has seven specialist batsmen, including newly crowned world player of the year Ben Stokes.
South Africa has lost its last two test series and the pressure, on England at the start of this contest, is now heavily on the home team.
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