Typically defiant innings from Cook
LONDON: Alastair Cook ensured a quality launch to The Oval’s 100th test with an innings of familiar patience and defiance that guided England to 171 for four against South Africa on an absorbing but raindisrupted opening day of the third test yesterday.
Former captain Cook stood firm as the historic occasion was frustratingly interrupted by four stoppages, resisting throughout the day to finish unbeaten on 82 as wickets tumbled around him.
The 32yearold negotiated a demanding examination from a South African pace attack inspired particularly by twowicket Vernon Philander, who also spent 50 minutes off the field with a stomach upset, to close in on a 31st test century.
With the fourtest series locked at 11, the visiting side made light of losing the toss and Cook, who survived 178 balls, and Philander, who had excellent figures of two for 17 from 12 overs, proved the central figures.
Electing to bat, England captain Joe Root gave his predecessor, Cook, the chance to impress again in the landmark test.
The Oval joined London’s other venue, Lord’s and Australia’s Melbourne and Sydney Cricket Grounds in hosting a century of tests.
In a newlook England side — featuring new caps, batsmen Tom Westley and Dawid Malan and seamer Toby RolandJones — it was old stager Cook who summoned all his skill and resolve.
In an awkward morning session in overcast conditions and with a green tinge to the pitch, South Africa’s attack did not initially pose the menace it had shown in its 340run victory at Trent Bridge, which levelled the series.
Cook was given capable support by Essex county colleague Westley in a halfcentury stand before lunch but the newcomer departed for 25 straight after the resumption, pushing hard at Chris Morris to edge to second slip.
Westley had impressed after Keaton Jennings was again found wanting, prodding tentatively at Philander to be caught at third slip for a duck in the fourth over.
Cook, on 28, survived an lbw review, the faintest of inside edges off Morris sparing him, but otherwise looked his usual model of serenity as he made it to an early lunch, after two rain stoppages, on 34 with England at 62 for one.
The South Africans imposed more pressure on the resumption as Philander dismissed the dangerouslooking Root for 29, thanks to a dazzling, diving one handed catch from wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.
Kagiso Rabada, back in the team after suspension, then sent new cap Malan packing for one with a lovely inswinging yorker.
Still, though, Cook ploughed on after another rain break, maintaining his focus to bring up his halfcentury off 128 balls with a handsome cut for four off Philander.
Tea was taken early at 149 for four after another stoppage and, although Cook and Ben Stokes repaired some of the damage with an unbroken 51run partnership for the fifth wicket, the day’s play ended up being truncated by another downpour. — Reuters