Cook's 20th ton puts England on top

Alastair Cook's 20th Test century steered England to a strong position after the early loss of captain Andrew Strauss on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at the Oval yesterday.

Alastair Cook celebrates his century yesterday. PIC/AFP

England were 267-3 at the close of play. Cook was unbeaten on 114 while middle-order batsman Ian Bell was batting on 10.