Cook warns Proteas batters

STEPHEN Cook played only 11 Tests.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

That had more to do with the fact that he was belatedly selected at 33 years old, though — although still a rookie in comparison to his father, Jimmy, who Test debuted at 39 - than his ability forged over 229 first-class matches.

Cook certainly made the most of his limited opportunity.

He memorably scored a century on debut against England, and added back-to-back tons against Australia and Sri Lanka.

The 104 against the Aussies in Adelaide was a particularly gutsy innings, for Cook had struggled initially on the tour Down Under before finding a way to succeed against high-quality new-ball bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, who the Proteas will be encountering again in next month's World Test Championship final at Lord's.

They will be joined by their irrepressible skipper Pat Cummins to form a lethal three-pronged pace arsenal, but Cook feels it's the safety net of having off-spinner Nathan Lyon within their ranks that allows the Aussies bowling unit to attack relentlessly.

“The Aussie new ball attack has, and has been for a long time, a really formidable outfit,” Cook exclusively told Independent Media.