South Africa vs England: Alastair Cook rebuilds after Quinton de Kock century inspires Proteas

Alastair Cook struck an unbeaten half-century to help England stay in touch with South Africa after the hosts took a grip of the fourth Test on day two at Centurion. Quinton de Kock [129 not out] hit his maiden century as the Proteas were bowled out for 475 to pile the pressure on the visitors.

Kagiso Rabada ousted Alex Hales (15) and Nick Compton (19) early to reduce them to 78 for 2, and it took heaps of resilience from Cook (67 not out) and Root (31 not out) to keep South Africa at bay. The pair put on 60 for the third wicket to leave them frustrated but there remains plenty of work to do to save the game.

The tourists, who already have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, will resume on day three on 138 for 2, still 337 runs adrift of South Africa's first innings total. However, the manner of the dismissal of Compton, who was trapped lbw with a ball which kept alarmingly low provided evidence of the effort required to restore parity on a pitch showing uneven bounce.