Cook's shot selection was spot on, he was positive in defence and his timing when rocking back to pull or cut was exemplary, but the South Africans gave him plenty of opportunities to score.

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But whereas before the interval Australia bowled far too short, allowing Strauss and Cook to cut and pull to their heart's content, they pitched the ball up afterwards and began to look more dangerous.

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The frock coat full of wadding, cut close to pull the figure into shape, gradually gave way to a looser but still precise jacket.

ECONOMIST: Men's clothing