Cook’s ton puts S. Africa in charge
PORT ELIZABETH (South Africa): Stephen Cook hit a century as South Africa took control on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at St George’s Park.
South Africa were 351 for five at the close on Wednesday, an overall lead of 432 on a ground where no team has successfully chased more than 271 in the fourth innings.
In contrast to the first two days, when seam bowlers held sway, South Africa scored freely against a lacklustre bowling attack on a pitch which seemed to have flattened out, with Sri Lanka setting largely defensive fields which allowed plenty of opportunities for singles.
Cook made 117 to lead a powerful batting performance by the hosts.
“The new ball didn’t do as much today,” he said.
“There wasn’t the swing there was in the first innings. But there was an urgency about us today, especially the way we ran between wickets. Dean (Elgar) and I, being a left-right combination, looked to exploit the singles so they couldn’t settle.”
Cook shared century partnerships with Elgar (52) and Hashim Amla (48). He and Elgar put on 116 for the first wicket, their second three-figure opening stand of the match. Then Cook and Amla added 105 for the second wicket off only 118 balls as the Sri Lankan bowlers and fielders wilted.
After two interruptions for rain, the playing hours were changed and South Africa scored 182 runs off 40 overs in an extended postlunch period. They added another 131 off 29 overs before the close.
Although Sri Lanka would already have to mount a world record run chase to pull off an unlikely win, Cook indicated that South Africa were unlikely to declare overnight.
“It’s not something we have discussed as a team but the fact that we scored at 4.4 (runs an over) today has set us up to allow us to declare when we want to. We’re still going to have to play well to bowl them out again.”
Cook, who made his third century in only seven Tests, survived a chance to gully off Suranga Lakmal when he was on 62, but played with more freedom than in previous appearances. He reached his fifty off 81 balls and his hundred off 152 deliveries.
He was out soon after tea when he edged an attempted cut against Dushmantha Chameera to be caught behind. His Test-best 117 was scored off 178 balls with 11 fours.