Ryan Sidebottom prised out Ashwell Prince early on as England continued their fightback against South Africa at Edgbaston.

Having dismissed South Africa for 314 shortly before lunch on the third day to concede an 83-run first-innings deficit, England knew they needed a solid start if they were to remain in contention for the match and the series.

But Essex left-hander Cook, who had already survived what looked like a indisputable lbw appeal from Andre Nel before he had scored, was dismissed with Makhaya Ntini's second ball to leave England struggling on 15 for one.