England opener Cook strikes form ahead of first Test against S Africa

England opener Alistair Cook scored 66 not out on the opening day of England's two-day game against a South African Invitation XI.

It was the perfect preparation for Cook, as he gets ready for the First Test at Centurion next Wednesday.
 
Kevin Pietersen failed to make a big score and has now totalled 110 runs in six innings since returning from his Achilles operation. Cook was removed from England's one-day squad last month after suffering a prolapsed disc while working out in the gym.
 
Instead, he linked up for treatment with England's Performance Squad, who have been practising and playing in Pretoria.

He scored 70 and 29 not out in the Performance Squad's victory over Gauteng last week and spent another three hours in the middle yesterday, The Sun reports.