Basic instincts

Michael Vaughan used the phrase “back to basics” to describe England's ill-advised batting in the 2007 World Cup and it seemed an appropriate term again yesterday for the approach of Kevin Pietersen, his successor as Test captain, in the field. There was none of Vaughan's inveterate tinkering and few unorthodox placements. Pietersen also abandoned the public “huddle” at the start of play, the little get-together where the team drape arms around each other's shoulders for some final stirring words. Instead, Pietersen settled for an encouraging hug with Alastair Cook ... who proceeded to drop two catches and miss a difficult third during the South Africa innings.

Winning plan of attack

Peter Moores, the England head coach, above, had hinted that James Anderson could be rested after his recent exertions, but the bowler hardly looked fatigued during an afternoon spell of 8-1-24-3. The first victim, Jacques Kallis, was his 100th in Tests and a good plan superbly executed: two away swingers, the first narrowly missing the edge, then a ball hooping the other way. Anderson's overall figures remain modest, but a truer reflection of his ability are the statistics since his recall in March: 40 wickets at 27.10 apiece.

On the right foot

Andrew Flintoff and Stephen Harmison may be best of buddies, but it was still peculiar to see them swapping boots in the field. Shaun Pollock, who is here on media duty and knows a thing or two about bowling, was alarmed given Flintoff's history of ankle trouble, but the all-rounder continued to hit speeds beyond 85mph without alarm. It was explained that Flintoff wanted a boot with the toe cut out to prevent rubbing. After tea, he was back in a pair of his own.

Hotspot of pain

Graeme Smith, below, soon realised that the pitch at the Oval is somewhat quicker than Edgbaston, where he scored his match-winning hundred. In the first over, he nicked a sharp ball from Harmison into the “groin region” to leave him prostrate and rheumy-eyed. For Sky Sports to use its appropriately named Hotspot to confirm the place of impact was cruel in the extreme.