Rampant Proteas attack keeps it simple, not distracted by 'Bazball': 'It's nothing new'

A sheer desire to "win" a proper day of Test cricket, not petty eagerness to ridicule "Bazball".

According to Kagiso Rabada, that was the reason for the Proteas attack's dominance of England's batting order on a truncated opening day of the first Test on Wednesday at Lord's.

South Africa admittedly won a very good toss in overcast conditions, but still delivered regular moments of incisiveness, sticking to doing the basics well and not getting sucked into the franticness that's underpinned their attack-minded hosts' recent success.

As a result, they reduced England to 116/6. 

"Different teams have different strategies and I guess it's just about adapting to what the opposition throw at you," said Rabada, who gave his side an ideal start with a fine opening spell that included both openers' scalps.

"There's nothing really going around that brings any animosity or 'white line fever' [when we play against England now]. It's really about adapting your strategy [for what's in front of you].

"The opposition can play any way they want to. That's okay."

READ | STUMPS | Rabada, Nortje rock England in first Test as Proteas dominate at Lord's

The bowlers indeed showed impressive adaptability, with Rabada (2/36), the hasty Anrich Nortje (3/43) and beanpole Marco Jansen (1/18), at various times, gaining some significant movement.

"It was the infamous slope at Lord's. It was quite a big topic during our preparation, especially for the guys who haven't played here before," said Rabada.

"Generally, you just need to get a feel for which end you're bowling at, get a feel for where the ball is going and adjusting. I was bowling down the slope and that takes the ball away from the right handers. So you just have to play with it."

Nortje, who also