Durban, South Africa: James Taylor led England's fightback on the first day of the first test against South Africa on Saturday as his half-century took the tourists out of trouble and to 179-4 at stumps.
The 5-foot-6 (1.7-meter) Taylor affectionately nicknamed 'Titch' stood tall for England to make 70 after Dale Steyn's fiery early burst had the tourists struggling at 12-2 in overcast, fast-bowler friendly conditions in Durban.
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Steyn struck the first blows with the dismissals of England captain Alastair Cook for a duck and debutant Alex Hales for 10. Joe Root's aggressive innings of 24 ended swiftly, leaving Taylor and Nick Compton to steady the innings.
Compton was 63 not out and helped Taylor rescue England with a 125-run partnership on the opening day of the four-test series.
