Cook century drives South Africa’s dominance

Tea South Africa 286 and 221 for 2 (Cook 108*) lead Sri Lanka 205 (De Silva 43, Philander 5-45) by 302 runsLive scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Stephen Cook’s second Test hundred moved South Africa into a dominant position on a day of rain delays against a rapidly deflating Sri Lankan attack in Port Elizabeth. At the end of an extended post-lunch session – tea was pushed back by an hour and 20 minutes thanks to the cumulative effect of two weather-related interruptions – South Africa were 221 for 2 in their second innings, and had scored their runs at more than four an over to extend their lead to 302.

South Africa dominated right from the start of play, taking only 7.5 overs to wrap up Sri Lanka’s lower order, with Vernon Philander completing his 11th Test-match five-for, and gain an 81-run first-innings lead. Cook then ensured Sri Lanka remained on the mat, flat on their backs, over the course of two big partnerships: 116 for the first wicket with Dean Elgar and 105 for the second with Hashim Amla, who looked as fluent as he has done at any point this season before becoming the 10,000th lbw victim in Test history off the last ball before tea.

Nuwan Pradeep was the bowler who trapped Amla, noting his big shuffle across the crease – he had used it to magic up a boundary the previous ball, tucking an off-stump ball to fine leg – and spearing it full and straight. Amla fell two short of a half-century, but not before delighting his fans with some vintage strokeplay, including scorching drives through the covers and down the …

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