Crawley's hounded obstruction - this was by a wide margin his slowest Test innings when he has arrived at twofold figures - came as a component of a solid stand of 68 with Jonny Bairstow, who was conversant in coming to 38 from 45 balls.

"For somebody whose result has not been what he would maintain that it should be, he read the circumstance splendidly," added Anderson, England's unequaled driving Test wicket-taker.

"The manner in which he played permitted Jonny to play his regular game."

Britain on top in the wake of excusing SA for 151 - report

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South Africa in England 2022

Crawley's 121 against West Indies in March was the last time he made a Test score higher than 46.

However his 267 against Pakistan in 2020 is the tenth most elevated individual score ever by an England man in Tests, he entered this coordinate with a normal of 26 from 26 appearances.

He had been supported by mentor Brendon McCullum, who said he can "win matches for England".

Kent's Crawley showed great judgment, persistence and left the ball well. He got through a fight with South Africa's Keshav Maharaj, notwithstanding looking not exactly sure against the left-arm spinner.

Talking on Test Match Special, previous England spinner Vic Marks said the innings was "the best 17 not out Crawley had made".

Ex-England quick bowler Steven Finn added: "His colleagues will be satisfied with him. He was able to do the hard yards."

The Crawley-Bairstow stand guaranteed England didn't give up the drive in the wake of bowling South Africa out efficiently.

The Proteas, driving the three-Test series 1-0, selected to bat first notwithstanding the desolate morning conditions in Manchester.

Britain made use, with Anderson and Stuart Broad asserting three wickets each.

"It seemed like not the most obviously awful throw to lose," said Lancashire's Anderson, playing on his home ground.

"For a bowler, when you see it moving around that way, it's generally perfect. Every individual who bowled did amazingly."

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada shielded their choice, saying the strategy was right following the decision to incorporate two spinners - Maharaj and Simon Harmer - in their side.

The Old Trafford surface looks dry and could offer sharp turn and lopsided bob later in the match.

"By and large assuming you're playing two spinners, you need to bat first," said quick bowler Rabada.

"The wicket is getting drier and drier continuously. Simon was in the game, his subsequent ball turned a considerable amount. It was the best choice."

England v South Africa: James Anderson praises 'brilliantly intelligent' Zak Crawley

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