Root century revives England's batting

Jul 06, 2017

Joe Root won the toss and chose to bat first in his first Test as England captain•Getty Images

Philander had Alastair Cook caught behind for 3•Getty Images

But Morne Morkel pinned him lbw for 20 during South Africa's productive morning•Getty Images

... while Aiden Markram couldn't get into position to intercept Root's top-edged hook•Getty Images

Ben Stokes showed aggression against Keshav Maharaj•Getty Images

Rabada eventually claimed the big wicket of Stokes for 56, shortly after tea•Getty Images

But South Africa made the early running through Vernon Philander•Getty Images

... before trapping Keaton Jennings lbw for 5, with a delivery that would have been missing leg stump•Getty Images

Root had a few early scares in his first innings as captain•Getty Images

Root was also struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Kagiso Rabada•Getty Images

and was in good touch on the drive•Getty Images

But Root was unmoved as he brought up a century in his maiden Test as captain•Getty Images

Gary Ballance started with intent after his recall to bat at No. 3•Getty Images

He was dropped in the gully on 16 by JP Duminy•Getty Images

Philander's wonderful morning continued with Jonny Bairstow's wicket•Getty Images

Stokes had to celebrate his fifty twice after a scoring mix-up•Getty Images

Moeen Ali continued England's resurgence as England closed on 357 for 5•Getty Images