Morné Morkel’s 10th Test dismissal of Alastair Cook is the South African Play of the Day.

There wasn’t a lot to celebrate for the visitors on day two of the third Test at The Oval. Ben Stokes fired late in England’s innings to score 112 and boost the hosts to 353. Debutant Toby Roland-Jones contributed 25 with the bat and then a remarkable 4-39 with the ball.

South Africa now find themselves in a dire position at 126-8. That said, the situation could be even worse.

Had Cook survived an examination by Morkel early on day two, the hosts may well have posted a total of 400-plus. As it was, Morkel struck in the sixth over of the day.

The fast bowler came from around the wicket and got the ball to nip back into the left-handed batsman. Cook missed and was given out lbw.

For the 10th time in Tests, Morkel claimed Cook’s wicket. No bowler boasts a better strike rate against Cook in the five-day game.

The absence of Vernon Philander – who was taken to the hospital due to a stomach ailment – compromised the Proteas attack. Morkel did add a couple more wickets to his personal tally, though.

Moeen Ali perished after a review showed the ball brushing the bat, then the pad, and finally landing in wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock’s gloves. Stokes was the last man out after he mistimed a big shot and offered Kagiso Rabada a simple catch.

Collectively, the Proteas had a poor day with ball and bat. Morkel, however, took some important wickets and finished with figures of 3-70.

Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images