Cook bemoans 'limp' England batting despite series win

England captain Alastair Cook has slammed his side's 'limp batting performance' during the fourth and final Test against South Africa, which ensured that the tourists' series win ended with a defeat.

England batsmen failed to show resolve as they could last only 13.4 overs on the final morning before being bundled out for 101. The tourists lost seven wickets for 49 runs in just over an hour.

Cook, who guided England to a 2-1 away series win, admitted that it was disappointing to end the Test leg of the tour with a defeat, adding that there should be no excuses for such a batting display, the Guardian reported.

Reflecting on the stunning batting collapse, the 31-year-old southpaw observed that they have still got to work on a lot of areas in order to reclaim the number one spot in Test rankings.

Commenting on the underperforming top-order line-up, Cook also admitted that he, along with Nick Compton, Alex Hales and James Taylor have to perform consistently in their respective counties to cement their spots for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.