MANCHESTER: South Africa struck three times after lunch to restrict England to 147 for four at tea on the first day of the fourth test at Old Trafford.

After the hosts reached 67 for one at lunch, having lost opener Keaton Jennings for 17, Alastair Cook and Tom Westley looked well set for the afternoon session with the sunshine finally breaking through the dark clouds.

But half an hour after the re-start, spinner Keshav Maharaj got reward for his persistence when he tempted Cook into a drive and his edge was snaffled up by wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock.

Cook had made 46 from 103 deliveries and the celebrations from the South African fielders emphasised the value of his wicket.

Seamer Kagiso Rabada bowled with energy and accuracy and he too had cause to celebrate when he removed Westley, for 29, with de Kock producing a superb diving catch.

England were 92 for three and in need of some consolidation which they received with skipper Joe Root and Dawid Malan building a 52-run partnership.

But shortly before tea, Malan (18) chased a wide delivery from Morne Morkel, flashing an edge to Faf du Plessis at second slip.

Before lunch, left-hander Jennings, who has yet to reach a half-century in this series, edged Duane Olivier to keeper Quinton de Kock, with the moving ball on off stump again proving his downfall.

The 25-year-old had made an impressive start to test cricket with a century in his debut against India in Mumbai in December.

But the hopes that he may quickly establish himself as Cook's opening partner have been brought into doubt by some shaky performances in this series, although a 48 at the Oval ensured he kept his place.

The hosts lead 2-1 after a convincing win in the third test at the Oval and are hoping for a first series win at home to the South Africans since 1998.

England kept the same side that won at the Oval but South Africa had to do without pacemen Vernon Philander and Chris Morris, both suffering from injuries.

Theunis de Bruyn and Olivier were the replacements.

A presentation was made to England bowler James Anderson in front of the Pavilion before the start of play, to mark the official naming of the James Anderson End. The opposite end of the stadium is named after another Lancashire and England bowler Brian Statham.