Cook and Amla complete Tons, England on Back foot

England duly eased to a seven-wicket victory on day three to take an unassailable 2-0 lead with one game to come at Centurion.

An unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 56 between Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock kept England at bay late on, but Root was pleased to limit South Africa to 329 for five following their early inconsistencies.

Amla made 102 not out and Cook was unbeaten on 91 as South Africa reached 224 for one at tea.

“There is grass on the pitch and further changes to an unsettled South Africa team, possibly including a debut for 33-year-old Stephen Cook, the son of former opening batsman Jimmy Cook”. England had Ben Stokes (258) and Jonny Bairstow (150*) knock up huge totals to get things started, ultimately declaring their first innings on 6/629.

Another inside edge, Cook’s wicket was a lucky breakthrough for Woakes in the first over of his third spell after he has shipped 65 runs in his first 13 overs.

De Villiers, installed as captain for the final two Tests of the summer following the resignation of Hashim Amla earlier this month, says he is keen to continue in charge but the team must improve their off-field support.

Ali struck in his first over, thanks to James Taylor continuing his incredible work at short-leg, redefining what is possible in that unpopular position.

England’s pace bowlers looked tired and were wayward at the end of a long test contest.

Amla proceeded to peel off his 25th Test ton and make batting look ridiculously easy in the way that only great players can, while Cook remained calm and measured even as he was inching through the 90s to get to a momentous landmark.

Stephen Cook’s father Jimmy had suffered a golden duck on his own Test debut in 1992, but history did not repeat itself as the opener flicked a gentle loosener from James Anderson to the boundary.

Steven Cook said he “never gave up hope” of earning a South Africa call-up after scoring a century on day one of his debut against England.

In contrast their hosts, about to lose top place in the International Cricket Council rankings to India, are in a state of disarray, having switched captains mid-series and extended a winless streak to nine Tests.

“Stephen Cook was under pressure due to this being the last Test of the series”.

Proteas captain AB de Villiers praised England for their dominant performance throughout the series but believed his side could still capitlise on some of the tourists’ frailties.

De Villiers made his maiden Test century against England on the ground 11 years ago and in his most recent six innings there has hit three centuries, two nineties and a 48.

Cook was picked ahead of Stiaan van Zyl, batsman JP Duminy replaced Faf du Plessis, while off-spinner Dale Piedt and seamer Kyle Abbott came in for Chris Morris and Hardus Viljoen.