Collingwood praises Ollie Pope and backs England bowlers to take wickets

A rain-abridged opening day in which 116 runs were scored and six batters were dismissed did nothing to dent England’s ambitions in their first Test against South Africa, with Paul Collingwood declaring there was “no ceiling” to their batting potential and that the home team’s bowlers were itching to be let loose on a helpful surface.

While South Africa’s fast-bowling quartet of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje all impressed, Ollie Pope was outstanding in compiling an unbeaten 61 off 87 balls. “He was fantastic,” Collingwood said.

“I thought he was composed, he looked busy at the crease, and on a wicket that was obviously giving them quite a lot of assistance hopefully he can get us into a position where we can see where we are, and I guess we won’t know that until we’ve bowled on that same surface.”

South Africa stand top of the World Test Championship rankings, thanks in large part to the excellence of their bowlers – even if this particular group have not previously played together. “I think we’ve got some pace, we’ve got bounce, we’ve got guys who can swing it, guys who can bowl quick bumpers,” Rabada said. “So in terms of a pace attack I think we have all the ingredients to be a formidable one.”

Though conditions are expected to be more favourable for batting for the remainder of the week, there was enough in the wicket for England to be encouraged. “There was a few good balls in there and when you’ve got skilful bowlers at high pace they’re going to bowl wicket-taking balls,” said Collingwood, England’s assistant coach. “We’re not going to worry too much about what’s gone on today. The exciting thing is seeing what our world-class bowlers themselves can do on that pitch.

“We’re not always