England opener Cook can't stop thanking Gooch after his ton against South Africa

Alastair Cook gave credit to former England captain Graham Gooch after he ground out a century to take England into a first innings lead on the third day of the second Test against South Africa at Kingsmead yesterday.

Opening batsman Cook made 118 and Paul Collingwood 91 as England reached 386 for five at the close, a first innings lead of 43.

Cook said he spent many hours working with Gooch on changes to his technique after the Ashes series against Australia earlier this year.

"It takes time and the work is nowhere near finished but this helps with the confidence and to know you are on the right track," said the left-handed opening batsman.

Cook said the major changes to his batting style were his trigger movements, backlift and alignment.