James Anderson felt South Africa played into England’s hands by batting

James Anderson suggested South Africa played into England hands by throwing them the ball in helpful conditions on day one of the second LV= Test.

Having recalled Simon Harmer as a second spinner, Proteas skipper Dean Elgar allowed the make-up of his team to shape his judgement at the toss.

A gloomy outlook at Emirates Old Trafford meant seamers were always likely to enjoy themselves early on, but Elgar opted to bat first anyway in a bid to set up the match for his slow bowlers.

But the gambit backfired as Anderson and Stuart Broad helped themselves to three wickets each as the tourists were rolled over for 151.

England finished on 111 for three in reply, Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow sharing an unbeaten stand of 68 to make sure the seamers’ good work did not go to waste.

Anderson, who knows better than most how to get the best out of conditions on his home ground, welcomed Elgar’s decision.

“I didn’t mind it, actually. Pitches here are normally good to bowl on with a new ball, especially early on,” he said.

“The lights were on, it was cloudy…it felt like not the worst toss to lose. As a bowler, when you see it moving around like that, it’s always great.

“We know the weather has been pretty average here this last week so it’s been under cover quite a bit and, although it felt hard on top, there was definitely going to be some moisture in there somewhere.

I thought we were just relentless with our areas after lunch and everyone who bowled, bowled superbly- James Anderson

“But you still have to bowl well. We just thought of trying to bash away good areas for as long as possible. I thought we were just relentless with our areas after lunch and everyone who bowled, bowled superbly.”

While Anderson retained his usual