England were 138 for two at the close of play after Quinton de Kock's maiden Test century took South Africa to a first innings total of 475.
Cook, who had scored only 103 runs in six innings in the first three Tests, batted solidly to finish unbeaten on 67.
England lost Alex Hales early, when he sliced a drive against Kagiso Rabada to Dane Piedt at point after making 15.
Joe Root joined Cook and the pair took England through to the close in an unbeaten partnership of 60. Root was on 31 not out.
The left-handed De Kock made 129 not out off 128 balls as he and the South African tailenders frustrated the England bowlers on a hot, humid day.
Kyle Abbott helped De Kock add 50 for the eighth wicket and Piedt shared a ninth wicket stand of 82 with the South African wicketkeeper.
England once again paid the price for dropped catches. After both Cook and Hashim Amla were dropped on the way to centuries on the first day, De Kock was put down by Ben Stokes at gully off James Anderson when he was on 28, having added only three runs to his overnight score.
De Kock was dropped again on 90 when he drove Moeen Ali hard to England captain Alastair Cook at short cover.
Despite the blemishes it was an impressive innings by De Kock, who hit 17 fours and two sixes. He was particularly severe on Ali, hitting 45 runs off the 28 balls he faced from the off-spinner, including both his sixes and six fours.
Stuart Broad had Temba Bavuma caught behind for 35 in the fourth over of the day, ending a sixth wicket partnership of 62 with De Kock. In the next over James Anderson trapped Kagiso Rabada leg before wicket without scoring.
Stokes was England's most successful bowler, taking four for 86.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
