Alastiar Cook's wait for a century goes on as South Africa dismiss opener for 88

Alastair Cook is still waiting for his first Test century of the summer after he was dismissed by Morne Morkel yet again.

The former England captain had added only six runs to his overnight score when he was given out lbw for 88. Cook reviewed immediately, but the decision was upheld on umpire’s call.

After Cook’s departure, Ben Stokes stepped on the gas and made a 72-ball fifty. The vice-captain was rewarded for his careful batting on the first evening and exploited the more favourable conditions on Friday.

Cook’s previous Test hundred came in last winter’s First Test against India, in Rajkot, 13 innings ago. Since Cook made that 130, he has scored two half-centuries in Tests, as well as one innings of 49 and another of 46. He had warmed up for this four-match Investec Series against South Africa with 667 runs for Essex in Division One of the County Championship, including three hundreds, at an average of nearly 67.

Morkel has now taken Cook’s wicket 10 times in Tests, more than any bowler. Cook had batted superbly on a rain-affected opening day, making 82 not out to hold the England innings together, but he did not look as comfortable on day two.

In Vernon Philander’s second over of the morning, Cook – on 84 – edged just short of Faf Du Plessis at second slip.