Cook became just the sixth South African batsman to score a Test century on debut

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa debutant Stephen Cook had a day to remember as he and Hashim Amla both scored centuries to put the Proteas in a commanding position against England on the first day of the fourth Test in Centurion.

Heading into the match with nothing to lose as England already hold an unassailable 2-0 lead, South Africa captain AB de Villiers would have been delighted with his decision to bat first despite the early loss of Dean Elgar as Cook and Amla amassed a superb 202-run partnership, during which Amla brought up his 25th Test century.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes provided the breakthrough his side had been searching for when he clean bowled Amla for 109, which came off 169 balls and included 19 boundaries.

Amla celebrates after scoring his 25th Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

De Villiers fell shortly after without having troubled the scorers before Cook was on his way back to the pavilion after a career-best knock of 115, which came off 218 deliveries and included 14 boundaries.

JP Duminy was dismissed for 16 just a few overs later before Temba Bavuma and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock stabilised the innings with an unbeaten 56-run stand before stumps was called.

Bavuma finished on 32 off 53 balls, which included five boundaries, while de Kock remained undefeated on 25 off 31 deliveries, which included four boundaries.

Moeen Ali was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Stokes, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes claimed one wicket each.

South Africa ended day one on 329/5 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 08:00 GMT.