Nick Compton and James Taylor boost England's confidence in South Africa

Nick Compton's 125-run stand with James Taylor on day one of the first Test with South Africa will boost England's confidence for the series to come, says Mike Atherton. 

The pair rescued the tourists from the perilous position of 49-3 after Dale Steyn (3-29) claimed two early wickets and Joe Root (24) fell lbw to Dane Piedt's first ball. 
"It was a good day for England, given where they were at 49-3," former England captain Atherton told Sky Sports. "It was a shame about James Taylor's dismissal at the end given how well he'd played.
"He was very assertive and hit the ball powerfully. He'll be desperately disappointed to get out having done all the hard work. 

 
"But well done to him and to Compton too, who has got tremendous confidence in his defensive technique; he sees that as the bedrock of his game and that's what is going to carry him through.
"England aren't going to win if they only rely on Cook and Root; they are world-class players, obviously, and they get a lot of runs for England but they're not going to get them all the time.
"It's important for the team's own self-esteem as well that they don't feel they're relying on two guys.

Nick Compton impressed on his return to the Test side

"So it was a terrifically important partnership between Compton and Taylor in that respect. There may be more of an advantage tomorrow too - it might be a better day with brighter conditions and England bat deep."
South Africa landed the first blow by winning the toss and choosing to bowl first on a pitch that looked as though it would offer assistance to the hosts' powerful attack.
But Atherton feels that England, having battled back from those early setbacks, have every chance of powering on to a sizeable total on day two.
"The ball didn't do perhaps as much as I felt it would but it was still a good toss to win," he added.
"South Africa have got a potent attack - Steyn, Morkel and Abbott as well as the spinner Piedt, whose inclusion proved a good decision as there is a bit of spin there.