Ben Stokes’ first century as England captain and a first in four years for Ben Foakes left the hosts in complete control after two days of the second LV= Test against South Africa. With England resuming on 111 for three, still 40 short of parity, South Africa enjoyed the best of the early exchanges. South Africa’s spirits were up but the sixth-wicket partnership between Stokes and Foakes changed that. Stokes safely negotiated the remainder of Nortje’s opening burst and rewarded himself by slog-sweeping his first ball from Simon Harmer for six. Stokes was emboldened, stepping away to swat Ngidi over extra-cover before launching Keshav Maharaj over long-off for six more, while Foakes quietly chalked off his own half-century.

Source: The Herald August 26, 2022 23:15 UTC