2. Stephen Cook 100 on Debut against England at Centurion:
The 33-year-old Stephen Cook pulled his sleeves on debut to score a magnificent ton against England in the fourth Test of Basil D’Oliveira Trophy at the Centurion. The hosts won the only Test of the four-match series to salvage some pride by 280 runs.
Stephen, who became the 100th Test batsman and sixth Proteas to score the century on a debut as his international runs started off with a boundary at the square-leg when Jimmy Anderson gave him a juicy half-volley on his leg stumps. He had shown his elegance with the bat and understanding while running between the wickets. Apart from nervous nineties, he looked calm and composed against the England’s spin and pace attack.
While staying 5 hours and 22 minutes at the crease Stephen has scored 115 runs off 218 balls, before sharing a second-wicket stand of 202 in 53 overs with former skipper Hashim Amla 109 off 169 balls.
Stephen was picked after being in the prolific form in domestic cricket. The right-handed batsman enjoyed some luck during his innings as he was dropped by Jonny Bairstow on 47 in Stuart Broad’s over followed by LBW appeal which was turned down by the umpire that in replays showed Ben Stokes’ delivery brushed the leg stump.