Hopes had not been high for England after their 2-1 defeat by the tourists in the one-day match series.

But after losing the toss and being put in to bat England delighted the Edgbaston crowd with a storming opening partnership by Mike Atherton and Mark Butcher.

Alan Donald: not a good day for the tourists' bowlers

The pair spent most of the day at the crease, frustrating South Africa's bowlers, and piling on the runs.

They had scored a combined 67 by lunch and were 151 without loss at tea as South African captain Hansie Cronje, rotated his bowlers in vain looking for a breakthrough.

Cronje would have hoped for at least two or three wickets by lunch rather than none by tea, and his frustration was clear for everyone to see when he bowled four wides through third slip.

After lunch his opening pair Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock both returned to the attack at their "home" county ground after lunch, but neither showed their true world class.

The batting partnership was ended when Butcher was caught by Jacques Kallis off Donald's delivery for 77.

The batsmen walked off the pitch to thunderous applause as Stewart came on at 179-1.

England First Innings

MA Butcher c Kallis b Adams 77
MA Atherton not out 97 AJ Stewart not out 27

Extras: 40

Total: 239-1 off 90 overs

To Bat: N Hussain, GP Thorpe, MR Ramprakash, AJ Stewart, DG Cork, MA Ealham, RDB Croft, D Gough, ARC Fraser.

South African team: