Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow
Zak Crawley (left) and Jonny Bairstow rescued England from 43-3 against South Africa

On the first day of the second Test against South Africa, James Anderson praised a "brilliantly intelligent" century from England opener ZakCrawley.

With 17 not out from 77 deliveries, Crawley, who hadn't scored a half-century in 14 Tests, was able to keep the South African pressure at bay.

In reply to the South Africans' 151 all out at Old Trafford, England recovered from a 43-3 deficit.

Anderson said that he played exactly how he was supposed to.

This was the lowest Test score of his career when he has reached double figures, and it came as part of an unbroken stand of 68 with Jonny Bairstow.

Anderson said, "For someone whose output has not been what he would want it to be, he read the situation superbly."

He was able to play his natural game.

His 121 against West Indies in March was the last time he scored more than 46.

He entered this match with an average of 26 from 26 appearances, making him the 10th highest individual score ever by an England man in Tests.

He was supported by the coach who said he could win matches for England.

Kent's Crawley was patient and left the ball in good shape. Even though he looked less than certain against the left-arm spinner, he came through the battle.

Marks said the 17 not out was the best he had ever seen.

Steven Finn said that his team-mates would be happy with him. He was willing to do the work.

After bowling South Africa out cheaply, England did not give up the initiative.

The gloomy morning in Manchester didn't deter the South Africans from batting first.

Stuart Broad and Anderson each took three of the four available bowling pins.

Anderson said that it felt like the worst toss to lose.

It's always great to see a bowler bowling. Everyone who played a part in bowling did well.

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada said the tactic was correct after they chose to include two spinners.

There is a chance that the Old Trafford surface will offer turn and bounce later in the game.

Rabada said you want to bat first if you are playing two spinners.

By the second, the pitch is getting more and more dry. Simon had his second ball in the game. The decision was correct.