Kapp fantastic as South Africa survive early stumble

England v South Africa Scorecard

Dismissing Laura Wolvaardt is a difficult job in itself, but to beat the defences of one of the world's best while on Test debut makes Issy Wong's first day out for England all the more spectacular.

Striking at the end of her second over, the quick managed to nip one between Wolvaardt's bat and pad, sending the stumps into a mess.

England coach Lisa Keightley may have been bluffing earlier in the week when suggesting Wong would be utilised more in the shorter formats. Bowling 13 of her side's overs, Wong did go at 4.15 runs per over, but asked enough questions to suggest her mix of pace and early swing will be a key asset for the side moving forward.

Fellow debutant Lauren Bell was solid with the new ball, though she struck coming back later in the day, claiming Lizelle Lee lbw (0) and Marizanne Kapp after registering a brilliant hundred.

Fellow debutant, batting all-rounder Alice Davidson-Richards, also provided a steady seam option, dismissing Nadine de Klerk for nine.

It could well have been a disastrous first day for the tourists in Taunton if it not for a magnificent knock from all-rounder Marizanne Kapp.

So often cool under pressure during tense moments during their recent Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign, Kapp again showed patience even against unrelenting England bowling pressure.

Walking out at 45/4, Kapp was unperturbed by the loss of skipper Sune Luus, combining in a 72-run partnership with Anneke Bosch to take some of the momentum back.

Bosch fell for 30, though the years of Kapp’s international experience counted, as the right-hander carried on with the lower order.

On 59 as Nadine de Klerk walked out at No.8, Kapp was brilliant with the bowlers, stealing strike where possible, continuing her counter while coaching her partners throughout the day.

In the end it took an excellent catch from Tammy Beaumont at full stretch to dismiss the all-rounder on an even 150, though Kapp had done enough to put the pressure back on the hosts by the end of the day.

England's women have been a part of two tightly contested Test matches in the past year, with India holding out for a draw in Bristol in the last English summer, and a final-over thriller in Canberra during the women's Ashes in Australia.

As Australia were denied by the England tail, the lessons from both matches are likely to bode well for the hosts in this particular Test match, as they begin their charge with the bat on the second morning.

Emma Lamb will likely open the batting with Tammy Beaumont, with the experience of captain Heather Knight and Nat Sciver set to drive the hosts forward.

Should a full 100 overs be played, England will target a first innings lead by the call of stumps.