Essex opener Alastair Cook was one of the leading lights as England wrapped up an impressive innings victory over South Africa in the second Test today (Wednesday). Cook crafted a stoic 118 from 263 balls, as the tourists made 574-9, in reply to South Afr

Essex opener Alastair Cook was one of the leading lights as England wrapped up an impressive innings victory over South Africa in the second Test today (Wednesday).

Cook crafted a stoic 118 from 263 balls, as the tourists made 574-9, in reply to South Africa's total of 343.

The batsman then saw his side's bowlers take charge as spinner Graeme Swann picked up 5-54 and paceman Stuart Broad claimed 4-43 as England won by an innings and 98 runs.

After scoring his 10th Test century, Cook was full of praise for Essex legend and England batting coach Graham Gooch, who he has been working on his game with.

"Those early starts back in Chelmsford before we came out here have paid off," said the 25-year-old.

"He's a legend, he's helped me so much and works as hard on my game as I do.

"It's been a gradual thing since the Ashes, a gradual change in my technique, in my foot movement, my alignment and my back-lift and it's been a case of grooving that.

"I'm just shy of a 1,000 runs in this calendar year, so it hasn't been going that badly.

"But when you have a couple of Test matches when you don't get scores, you do feel under pressure slightly and it's nice to score a few.