De Kock is all smiles after bringing up his maiden Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England found themselves in a fairly sturdy position after South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock scored his maiden Test century on the second day of the fourth Test in Centurion.

Starting off the day on 329/5, South Africa lost Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada in quick succession before de Kock and Kyle Abbott stabilised the innings with a 50-run partnership, during which de Kock surpassed his half-century, before Abbott was given out lbw off the bowling of Ben Stokes for 16.

De Kock and Dane Piedt kept the runs flowing with an 82-run partnership, during which de Kock brought up his century, before Piedt was caught behind off the bowling of Stokes for 19.

De Kock ended up finishing on 129 not out, which came off 128 balls and included 17 boundaries and two sixes, as South Africa were bowled out for 475 when Stokes trapped Morne Morkel lbw for a duck.

Stokes was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali snapped up two wickets apiece and James Anderson and Chris Woakes chipped in with one wicket each.

Trailing by 475 runs, England lost opener Alex Hales early on before skipper Alastair Cook and Nick Compton put together a 56-run stand. Rabada ended up providing the breakthrough as he dismissed Compton for 19.

Cook and Joe Root ensured England stayed on the rails with an unbeaten 60-run partnership, during which Cook registered his half-century, before stumps was called.

Cook went on to make 67 off 142 balls, which included 10 boundaries, while Root remained undefeated on 31 off 68 deliveries, which included four boundaries.

Cook hit 10 boundaries during his unbeaten knock of 67

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Rabada was the only bowler to take any wickets.

England ended day two on 138/2 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 08:00 GMT.