ENG vs SA: Marizanne Kapp dominates on Day 1 guiding South Africa to a respectable total

England Women and South Africa Women kick-started the One-off Test in Taunton on June 27, Monday. The two sides faced each other in red-ball cricket after 18 years. 

As many as 13 debuts were handed out, spread across both camps. South African Women were playing in the game's longest format for the first time since 2014.

The First Day of the Test match certainly did not disappoint, as it was packed with action and drama. The hosts won the toss and put Sune Luus' side into bat. England started the fixture on the front foot, with two early wickets in the tricky overcast conditions. Lauren Bell, Isabelle Wong and Alice Davidson Richards all managed to pick up wickets on their Test debuts.

South Africa were reeling for a score of 45 runs for the loss of four wickets, and it looked like a field day for the hosts. It was expected that England would come out to bat in the latter stages of the second session. However, South Africa put on a spirited performance, as they ended the Day being bowled out for a score of 284 runs in 91.4 overs.

With the fall of the fourth wicket, Protea all-rounder Marizanne Kapp walked out into the middle. The 32-year-old put on a batting masterclass, scoring more than 50% of the visitors' first innings total. 

She managed to score 150 runs, lasting for almost 70 overs and over two sessions. The experienced campaigner smashed 26 boundaries during her stay at the crease, batting a strike rate of just over 70.

Marizanne Kapp was helped out in the middle by Anne Bosch, who chipped in with 30 odd runs. The duo put on a 72-run stand for the sixth wicket before Anne Bosch was dismissed by Sophie Ecclestone. 

It has been a remarkable recovery from the visitors, who at one point were under the risk of being bowled out for a score of less than 100 runs. 

Kate Cross was the pick of the English bowlers, having four scalps to her name. The English pacer found the back of opposition skipper Sune Luus and also struck in only her second over to dismiss Andrie Steyn. 

Lauren Bell impressed on her debut, picking the critical wicket of Marzianne Kapp towards the end of Day's Play. She ended the Day with 47 runs for two wickets in 16 overs.

Despite the South African fightback, it can be safely said that England are placed in the driver's seat. The wicket has shown plenty to offer for the batters. 

Hence the likes of Tammy Beaumont, Natalie Sciver and Heather Knight will be eager to pile on the runs on Day 2. 

Making the most of the new ball will be of utmost importance for the visitors. Marizanne Kapp comes back into the picture here, as she should be handed the new ball alongside Tumi Sekhukhune. 

Brief Scores:

South Africa Women: 284/10 (91.4)

Marizanne Kapp 150 (213), Anneke Bosch 30 (58)

Kate Cross 63/4, Lauren Bell 47/2