COOK powerat full
ALASTAIR TURNS UP HEAT ON PROTEAS
ALASTAIR COOK hit an unbeaten half-century to put England firmly in control of the first Test against South Africa.
The former captain had made only three runs in the first innings on his return to the rank and file.
But, on another sun-drenched afternoon in north London, he showed in the second that he is quite happy being one of the boys again with a knock of 59, which helped the home side to a 216-run lead.
Keaton Jennings was the only man to depart – he was caught behind by Quinton de Kock for 33 off Morne Morkel. Gary Ballance, in desperate need of runs on his return to the team, ended on 22, as England moved to 119-1.
But it was Cook who deserved the plaudits for his stroke play and his resistance to the South Africa attack.
The Essex star reached his halfcentury with a cover drive for three, which took him to 51 and a Test total of 11,111 runs.
He might not always be the most exciting batsman to watch, but there can be no doubt he is one of the finest that England has produced.
Team-mate James Anderson did not disagree.
“South Africa bowled really well,” he said. “And, to be honest, you wouldn’t want anyone else for that position when you need to graft through an evening session to put us in a good position.
“There weren’t many freebies for the guys to hit, they had to really knuckle down and concentrate, and it was spinning out of the rough for the left-handers as well.
“He does seem more relaxed around the dressing room. It’s probably a bit of a strange week for him because there’s a new captain here and I’m sure he’s going to be missing the captaincy to an extent.
“But, at the same time, it’s a great opportunity for him to show people he is still happy to score runs and we’re just happy he is out there churning them out for us.
“It puts us in a strong position and, hopefully, we can build on his partnership with Gary.”
In truth, it was a day which lacked any real drama, with perhaps the most colourful moment coming before start of play when legendary Test Match Special broadcaster Henry Blofeld, who will retire at the end of the summer, was given the honour of ringing the famous Lord’s bell – in his bright green suit.
South Africa began the day 244 runs behind England, on 214-5, with Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada at the crease - with the latter scuttling along to 27 before Liam Dawson had him caught behind, while Bavuma soon followed, caught by Ben Stokes off the spin of Moeen Ali for 59.
De Kock was impressive as he raced to 50 off 36 balls — the second-fastest Test half-century at Lord’s.
But so, too, was the catch that got him one run later, Stokes diving to his right to claim Anderson’s second victim of the innings.
Vernon Philander hit a brave half-century and needed to go to hospital for an X-ray after an Anderson delivery struck him just above the wrist.
He suffered little more than excessive swelling, but, by the time he returned, Cook was doing a fine job of breaking South Africa’s spirit.