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Nick Compton, James Taylor lead England fightback against South Africa

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Nick Compton and James Taylor both hit half-centuries as England fight back from 49-3 to finish day one of the first Test against South Africa on 179-4.

Nick Compton and James Taylor both hit half-centuries to help England recover from 49-3 to leave them on 179-4 at the end of day one of the first Test against South Africa in Durban.

England's innings got off to a poor start as Dale Steyn made short work of the openers, dismissing Alastair Cook for a duck and Alex Hales for just 10.

Dale Steyn celebrates with teammates after claiming the wicket of Alex Hales on day one of the first Test between South Africa and England on December 26, 2015© Getty Images

Joe Root made 24 before he was caught lbw to leave England floundering, but Compton and Taylor put on a partnership of 125 throughout a rain-affected day to get the tourists back on track.

Steyn eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Taylor for 70 - his third wicket of the day - but Compton finished unbeaten on 63 alongside Ben Stokes (5).

Only 65.1 overs were possible throughout the day due to rain and then bad light, which means that play will begin half an hour earlier tomorrow in order to make up for some of the lost time.

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England's Ben Stokes and England players celebrates as England wrap up the game and retain the Ashes on the third day of the fourth Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, England on August 8, 2015
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