James Taylor claims a focus on the task at hand, rather than any thoughts about cementing his Test spot, was key to his part of a 125-run stand with Nick Compton that enabled England to emerge from a tricky first day against South Africa with only four wickets down.
Both Taylor, playing his second Test match after three years out of the side, and Compton, returning this match following a similar hiatus for his 10th Test appearance, stood strong for 45.2 overs of watchful batting under heavy skies that belied any personal nerves about their respective places.
While Taylor fell to Dale Steyn late in the day for 70, seeing a chance for a maiden Test century go with it, he spoke after stumps of an enjoyable alliance with Compton in the middle, whom he joined at the crease with the score on 49 for three in the 19th over.
Taylor said: “Taking everything into account – losing the toss and the conditions that could not have been more perfect for the South African bowling unit – I thought overall it was solid day. To get into the position we are in now, 179 for four, is a pretty successful one for the England camp.
“In the situation of the game it was massive for myself, and in terms of the series, because time in the middle so early is crucial. But I try hardest to immerse myself in the situation rather than personal things which distract you from the bigger picture. It was about getting my head right for the situation and playing accordingly.”
On Compton’s unbeaten 63 from 179 balls, Taylor added: “It’s been a few years out for both of us and laying down a marker is important for the team. He was enjoyable to bat with – the way he applied himself was exactly what was needed. He did everything we need him to do and hopefully he will kick on tomorrow.”
Steyn, who took three for 29 on his comeback from a groin injury, praised Taylor’s approach to batting but declared it honours even, with two days of sunshine now forecast after a rain-affected start to the series.
He said: “It was a very good partnership between Taylor and Compton. Taylor is a busy player, always moving a lot. I always feel like you have a chance against busy players but he didn’t allow us to create enough pressure.
“It’s even at the moment. We were lucky to get the breakthrough late on. But it was a day where we were on and off for rain. It made it tough to get the ball to swing. Today was the only day with cloud cover. Both teams would have bowled. And had we bowled a full day, we may have sneaked a few more wickets.”
On the absence of England’s Jimmy Anderson, who misses out here with a calf strain, Steyn added: “If he doesn’t play [in the series] I’ll be very happy. He’s a pretty good bowler, so if he’s on the sideline I’m pretty stoked.”
