Anderson looking for new ball to remove key figure

Andrew Strauss's team had South Africa 127-5 by mid-afternoon yesterday after asking them to bat first in the third Test at Newlands. Yet by stumps Kallis was unbeaten on 108 out of 279-6, taking his first-innings tally from three attempts so far this series to 303 runs.

England's attack could only reflect on the unenviable task they face trying to shift him this morning – and it fell to James Anderson to voice their collective mixture of admiration and exasperation.

"He's very focused when he bats and very difficult to bowl at," said the Lancastrian, who got rid of South Africa openers Graeme Smith and Ashwell Prince but again drew a blank with Kallis.

"You've just got to deal with it. You come across these players in Test cricket," he added. "He's definitely up there for me (with the best). The lateness that he plays the ball is incredible and even when the ball is reversing he can pick it, which makes it even harder.

"He's very patient, plays the ball very late, which makes it difficult on such a slow pitch to try to find an edge."

Anderson had no qualms with Strauss's decision to put South Africa in, under heavy cloud cover after overnight and morning rain.

"I'd say it was a very good decision to bowl first. The conditions this morning were very bowler-friendly," he said. "In the warm-up, it was swinging a lot and with the rain around as well it was a very easy choice for us to bowl. We're happy with the decision. They've played really well; Kallis played unbelievably well."

England might have made quicker progress had Graeme Swann not put down a straightforward slip catch to see off Smith for just a single.

"We found out quite early that there was nothing for short," Anderson said. "It was just sitting up, with tennis-ball bounce, so we tried to bowl a little bit fuller.

"If that catch had stuck, maybe we could have got a few more. But I think we bowled pretty well in the morning session."

As for England's prospects for the remainder of a match in which their hosts need to avoid defeat to stay alive in the series, Anderson predicted: "The new ball in the morning is going to be crucial. We're going to really have to hit our straps early doors and try to get rid of Kallis."

South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher paid tribute to Anderson on a day he believes ended "50-50".

"James is a very good bowler – and on a wicket like that, where the odd ball does a bit, he's going to put batting sides under pressure," said Boucher.