England spinner Graeme Swann has defended Andrew Strauss’ decision to bowl on the first day of the first test against South Africa (13/10 to beat England on the Test match coupon).

The tourists made a bright start to the day with Stuart Broad dismissing Proteas skipper Graeme Smith for a nine ball duck with just one run on the board.

However, England (5/1 to beat South Africa in the cricket betting) were made to toil in the field for the rest of the day with the home side reaching 262-4 at stumps on a flat Centurion wicket.

Jacques Kallis (5/4 to be the next man out) was the star for South Africa as he made 112 not out and didn’t look troubled, even when England took the new ball at the end of the day.

Strauss is likely to come in for some criticism for his decision to bowl first, but Swann says the rest of the England team were behind their captain.

“I think we were justified bowling first. It looked green and seemed a bit damp yesterday so we were all behind the decision,” said Swann.

“No-one said Test cricket was easy. We’ve stuck in, taken four wickets and they’ve not got away from us. South Africa is renowned for good batting pitches so there’s a lot of hard work to come.”

England will be desperate to take some quick wickets at the start of day two to avoid South Africa racking up a big total.

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