South Africa ‘Cook’ up new plan for fourth Test against England

South Africa have added uncapped opener Stephen Cook to their squad for the final Test against England in Pretoria starting on Friday in a bid to bolster their brittle top order.

South Africa have added uncapped opener Stephen Cook to their squad for the final Test against England in Pretoria starting on Friday in a bid to bolster their brittle top order.

Stephen Cook of South Africa hits a cut shot during day one of the tour match between South Africa A and England at City Oval on December 20, 2015 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. (Getty Images)

The 33-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season in the domestic four-day competition with 415 runs in six innings at an average of 83, including two centuries.

South Africa have battled with their top six batsman over the past year and in the last three months have been bowled out for their two lowest scores since returning to international cricket in 1991 -- 79 in India and 83 by England on Saturday.

The right-handed Cook is the son of former Test opener Jimmy Cook, who played in three Test matches in the twilight of his career following South Africa’s return to the global game. The Lions batsman, who is expected to replace the woefully out-of-form Stiaan van Zyl, was the only change to the squad from the one that lost to England by seven wickets at the Wanderers to surrender the four-match series.

Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock will also be assessed to see if he has recovered from the knee injury sustained while walking his dog on the eve of the Wanderers Test. If he does not, Dane Vilas will retain his place in the side.