"I used to give Myra Kraft a kiss before every game, " 325-pound defensive tackle Vince Wilfork recalled to The Boston Globe.

CNN: Patriots' cry: Win it for Myra!

With groundsman Steve Rouse suggesting his dry pitch would suit seamers who "kiss" the surface, giving the ball every opportunity to swing, England omitted surprise call-up Darren Pattinson in favour of the fit-again Ryan Sidebottom.

BBC: England toil as S Africa dominate