South Africa won the toss and elected to put England into bat on the opening day of the series at Lord's.

Graeme Smith made the attacking move on a sunny morning, with the view that the recent rain would provide assistance for his formidable bowling attack.

England named an unchanged side again on Wednesday, while South Africa retained left-arm spinner Paul Harris.

Harris, who once played Live - South Africa v Wales ...
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Live - England v New Zealand ...
Australian anger over Fiji threat ...
Strike over govt reforms drawing nearer - Czech unions ... for Warwickshire, will support pacemen Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini and Morne Morkel.

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By Tom Fordyce

1103: Eng 0-0
Dangerous Dale Steyn it is, steaming in from the Nursery End. His first ball comes off the pitch with all the bounce of a brick hitting blancmange, and there's not much wobble around either. Strice stays compact and sees off a maiden as the slips bark like hungry hyenas.

1057: Here we go - Strice and Cook to the middle, the South African fielders eyeing them with silent menace.

From Jesse in the Netherlands, TMS inbox: "My folks are in Rome on a holiday. Called them to ask to burn a candle for good 'ol England in the Vatican. Maybe we'll see a lightning bolt coming down to take out Steyn."

1045: South Africa's decision to pick spinner Paul Harris is a heart-breaker for those of us looking forward to a slice of Nel pie during this match. For web-users among you, here's a cheeky link to a chat I had with Angry Andre the other day. What a man.

Meet cricket's craziest man

1038: Pitch news: it's looking a touch squelchy after Wednesday's stinking downpour. Considered opinion is that it'll swing like 1966 out there - could be a big toss to have won, that one. Weather looking dry for the duration of the day; probably best not to worry about Friday's sogginess until it happens.

1032: News from the toss: Graeme Smith calls correctly. "We're going to have a bowl," he says. "We're as prepared as we can be. Hopefully we can execute things properly this morning and get amongst them. It's going to be competitive."

Skipper Vaughan does his best to look chirpy. "We'd have liked to have a bowl," he admits. "I think it'll swing about in the first three days.

1030: Goodness me - if you're not looking forward to this morning's action, expect to have your membership revoked with immediate effect.

(BBC)

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