Test tightly poised says Cook

Pa
Monday 04 January 2010 13:26 EST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England batsman Alastair Cook felt the third Test against South Africa had become a "one-innings game" after the second day's play.

The tourists reached the close at Cape Town on 241 for seven after bowling South Africa out for 291 early in the morning session.

Cook, who top-scored with 65 in England's reply, told Sky Sports: "It was a tough day's cricket.

"South Africa bowled well and didn't let us get away from them and it is definitely going to turn into a scrappy game.

"They came out here and bowled less bad bad balls, putting us under some pressure.

"The game situation is set up nicely for a one-innings game come tomorrow. It is going to be a really good game over the next couple of days."

England, with Matt Prior unbeaten on 52 and Graeme Swann five, will now hope to push towards parity on the third morning.

Cook added: "We don't want to be chasing too many but we have seen in recent games pitches don't deteriorate of much as you think they will.

"We will cross that bridge when we come to it but we will hopefully get a lead with Swanny and Matt tomorrow and put them under some pressure when we bowl."

Cook's innings maintained his form after a century in the second Test last week.

The left-handed opener said: "At Durban I got a bit of confidence, scoring a hundred, and I felt confident at the crease.

"I was disappointed with the soft dismissal just after tea but those things happen."

South Africa believe they are in a good position to move towards a series-levelling win, according to Jacques Kallis.

But the all-rounder, who was out for 108 this morning before taking one for 27 this afternoon, insists the Proteas must be at their best to prevail.

"There's no doubt we're going to have to come out tomorrow and be on the top of our game if we want to win," he told Sky Sports.

"We like to believe that it's in our hands, but obviously it is pretty even.

"The ball has controlled the game so far, the new ball's been key, so if we can knock over the England tail tomorrow morning early and get through that new ball, we'll be in a very strong position."

Kallis insists South Africa's display today showed they are back on form.

"The boys put in a better performance today," he added.

"I think we've been under par (in the series) and when you're 1-0 down with two to play you've got to be on the top of your game to win both of them.

"The guys really stood up and put their hands up today."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in