ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook singled out Nick Compton for credit after the convincing first Test victory over South Africa in Durban.

The Tourists inflicted South Africa’s heaviest ever defeat at the ground, after they wrapped up the match by lunchtime, winning by 241 runs.

Compton's 85 in the first innings steadied the tourists after they had slipped to 12-2 – and he followed up with 49 in the second innings.

Cook, speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, televised by Sky Sports, said: “The conditions to bat on on the first morning were tough.

“I thought the way Nick came back after a few years out really helped - he was a rock for us in that first innings.

“The lads played really well,” added Cook. “Once we got 300 always thought we were in the game and we feel comfortable bowling in any conditions.

“This was quite similar to UAE (the recent tour against Pakistan) as the wicket got slower and slower.”

The second Test starts in Cape Town on Saturday and, on calf injury victim James Anderson, the captain added: "He has had a tough week, bowling a lot and doing rehab. Hopefully he'll be fit.

“We'll enjoy the next few hours as a team - it's our first away win for a long period of time.

“We know what a strong side South Africa are in home conditions - but we're really prepared for this tour.”