England captain Alastair Cook has responded to comments made by South Africa captain AB de Villiers regarding seamer James Anderson, on the eve of the final Test. 

Aside from stating that his team needed to "find cracks" in a side which has already romped to series victory, de Villiers suggested that England's bowling attack weren't all that, observing that "some of the guys have lost some pace over the years", with that being taken as a dig at Anderson.

Cook rises to Anderson's defence

The paceman, an ironic name, has only managed three wickets in two matches this series, with his partner in crime Stuart Broad stepping up as the number one wicket-taker. Despite this lack of form, Cook backed his premier bowler to come back with a bang in the final test. 

Commenting that de Villiers was "obviously trying to wind everything up" in order to make things a little more spicy on the field, Cook added that it certainly takes a "brave man" to call out Anderson, given his reputation.

Stating that "Jimmy will have a word to say" should he read or hear the quotes, Cook explained that "some of his speeds have been pretty good" in this series, and that Anderson has just been lacking a little luck.

Anderson has struggled for wickets since returning from injury (photo: getty)
Anderson has struggled for wickets since returning from injury (photo: getty)

One more decision to be made

Who joins Broad and Anderson in England's bowling attack for the fourth game remains to be seen. With Steven Finn ruled out through injury, it looks like Chris Woakes and Mark Footitt are battling it out for the final place. Cook admitted that it was a "big decision", but gave nothing away when prompted to reveal who was more likely to play. 

That decision will get revealed just before the test gets underway on Friday morning, as England bid to wrap up a 3-0 series win.

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