Australia vs South Africa 2016: 3rd Test Day 3 - 5 talking points

#2 Cook finally makes runs

Cook was 81 not out at the end of day’s play

Stephen Cook finally came into his own and made some crucial runs for South Africa, acting as an anchor as wickets kept tumbling around him.

The opener had looked completely out of sorts in all his innings so far, and while the start was all about uncertainty, he grew in confidence in the company of Amla. While he remains not out on 81, Proteas need him to be more assured and act like a proper holding batsman, which he is finding difficult to do.

Cook may have got some runs under his belt and may save himself from being dropped for the home series against Lanka later. But his technique and on the move defence has come in for severe criticism. At this age, he may not get many more chances.