Quinton de Kock says the Proteas must use day two to build on their strong position of 309-6.
The day swung in roundabouts, with South Africa dominating the opening two sessions to reach 179-2 at Tea.
The hosts fought back brilliantly in the final session to have the Proteas wobbling on 235-6 in the 68th over.
De Kock said that while the visitors could have finished in a stronger position, things don’t always pan out as one would like them to in cricket.
‘It was very up and down today. In the one session it was our session and the next it was England’s, it was back and forth.
‘We went through stages where we played some good cricket, we would have liked to have done better, but unfortunately that is not the nature of the game to have everything that you want,’ De Kock commented.
The Proteas lower-order rescued a situation that threatened to go pear-shaped as Vernon Philander (54*) and Chris Morris (23*) added 74 for the seventh-wicket, a stand that the wicketkeeper-batsman believes the Proteas must use to advantage.
‘Tomorrow will be moving day for us. Vernon and Morris have gotten us into a great position, so we will need to capitalise and go forward with that,’ he added.
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De Kock also commented on a successful first outing batting in the No 4 spot after being elevated from No 7. He combined with ODI opening partner Hashim Amla to score 113 runs for the third-wicket, scoring an 81-ball 68 in the process.
‘I’ve always liked to bat higher. The team make-up has never really allowed me to, but a couple of selections for this Test, with other guys coming in, I thought there was a gap where they might need me to bat. I put my hand up and took the opportunity,’ he remarked.
Of his approach to batting at No 4, De Kock said he changed nothing with regard to his mental approach, though he found he couldn’t be as expansive early on in his innings.
‘I didn’t change my game plan. I knew that I would have to be a lot tighter coming up against a newer ball. Mentally I went in to bat the same, I was confident and kept it simple.’
The Proteas are seeking their first victory at Trent Bridge since 1965.
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
