Poor starters England prepare for the Durban challenge in South Africa for the first Test - in pictures

Steven Finn bowls in the England training session at Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead.

Joe Root will need to take more responsibility as a batsman for England in the first Test in Durban.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali controls the ball during the training session at Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead.

Another all-rounder for England, Ben Stokes will have to share the extra burden in bowling and not just moving tyres to assist in England’s preparations.

Former England player Mark Ramprakash celebrates a goal with Ben Stokes in Durban.

England bowler Chris Woakes stretches during the training session.

Alastair Cook, Chris Jordan and Jonny Bairstow help in removing tyres used during the training session.

Ben Stokes and England coach Trevor Bayliss look on during a quiet moment in training.

Alastair Cook and Trevor Bayliss had their thinking caps on even during the nets session in Durban.

Chris Woakes was later told that he was the one to be picked as a replacement for the injured James Anderson for the first Test.

Stuart Broad will have to man the main responsibility in the bowling department for England when the first Test gets under way Saturday.