Centurion: England captain Alastair Cook made his first half-century of the series to keep his team in contention on the second day of the fourth and final Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Saturday.
England were 138 for two at the close of play after Quinton de Kock’s maiden Test century took South Africa to a first innings total of 475.
Cook, who had scored only 103 runs in six innings in the first three Tests, batted solidly to finish unbeaten on 67.
England lost Alex Hales early, when he sliced a drive against Kagiso Rabada to Dane Piedt at point after making 15.
Nick Compton helped Cook add 56 for the second wicket before he fell victim to a ball from Rabada which shot low and trapped him leg before wicket for 19.
Joe Root joined Cook and the pair took England through to the close in an unbeaten partnership of 60. Root was on 31 not out.
The left-handed De Kock made 129 not out off 128 balls as he and the South African tailenders frustrated the England bowlers on a hot, humid day.
Brief Scores
South Africa 475 in 132 overs (De Kock 129 n.o., S. Cook 115, H. Amla 109, B. Stokes 4/86) vs England 138/2 in 46 overs (A. Cook 67 batting, J. Root 31 batting, K. Rabada 2/55).
