Port Elizabeth: World cricketer of the year Ben Stokes survived three reviews by South Africa as he and Ollie Pope regained the initiative for England on the first day of the third Test at St George's Park on Thursday. England were 224 for four at the end of an attritional day during which South Africa had briefly claimed the advantage. "It was a very good day for us in the end," said opening batsman Zak Crawley, who made 44 and shared an opening partnership of 70 with Dom Sibley. England were 148 for four when Stokes and Pope came together, in danger of failing to capitalise on batting first on a placid pitch on a hot, sunny day.

But the pair added 76 without being parted and were able to lift a slow scoring rate after England were able to score only 117 for two in 58 overs before tea. Stokes was unbeaten on 38 at the close while Pope made 39 not out. "They played brilliantly to put us in a very good position," said Crawley. "If we can get in the late 300s it might be a very good score for us on this pitch." Crawley said the pitch was slow, which made run-scoring difficult. "But there wasn't a lot of quick nip so it was tough for the bowlers as well.