Cook props up England after Philander strikes: 3rd Test, Day 1 (Oval)

Alastair Cook's defiant 82 not out held England together on a rain-affected first day after losing early wickets.

England were 171 for four, after winning the toss. Skipper Joe Root made 29 and debutants Tom Westley (25) and Dawid Malan (1) fell early as Vernon Philander took 2 wickets to rock England.

Cook and Stokes (21 not out) put on 51 runs for the 5th wicket before bad light stopped play early.

England 171 for 4 (Cook 82*, Stokes 21*) v South Africa.

July 2017.