South Africa hold upper hand in first Test despite Ben Stokes breakthroughs

20.08.2022 - 04:59 bt.com

England captain Ben Stokes dragged his side back into the first Test against South Africa but the tourists still finished the second day well on top at Lord’s.

The Proteas, having dismissed England for 165, had been motoring along and looking comfortable when Stokes made the decision to switch tactics in favour of the short ball and bounced out opener Sarel Erwee for 73.

Stokes (three for 53) then trapped Rassie van der Dussen lbw in his next over to spark a mini South Africa collapse that saw them fall from 187 for three to 210 for six.

However, an entertaining partnership between Marco Jansen (41 not out) and Keshav Maharaj (41) tilted the scale again as South Africa closed on 289 for seven, a lead of 124.

cricket Sporting England Test first test Andrew Strauss Kagiso Rabada Marco Jansen Kyle Verreynne Brendon Maccullum South Africa county Stokes

Ben Stokes’ maiden 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= Insurance Test against South Africa.

2nd Test: England lead South Africa by 241 runs after centuries by Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes

Stokes declared at 415 for nine, with South Africa trailing by 241 runs at the close after surviving a tricky nine over spell before stumps. The tourists, who lead the three-match series 1-0, reached 23 without loss in their second innings with Sarel Erwee on 12 and Dean Elgar on 11 but they now face a real battle against England's attack on Saturday. For all the talk of the ultra-aggressive 'Bazball' style introduced under Stokes' captaincy and the leadership of coach Brendon McCullum, this was an orthodox and disciplined performance as the England captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Foakes put on a 173-run partnership for the sixth wicket. It was a much needed contribution after South African quick Anrich Nortje struck twice to remove England's overnight batsmen during an outstanding opening spell in the morning session.

England vs South Africa 2nd Test: James Anderson strikes before Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow hold firm against South Africa

James Anderson marked becoming the first player to appear in 100 home Tests by leading the attack with three wickets as South Africa were dismissed for just 151 on Thursday's first day of the second Test at Old Trafford. Kagiso Rabada starred with both bat and ball as the Proteas fought back, the fast bowler top-scoring with 36 and then dismissing star batsman Joe Root for just nine as England, bidding to level this three-match series at 1-1, slumped to 43-3. But by stumps England had recovered to 111-3, a deficit of 40 runs, with struggling opener Zak Crawley surviving to be 17 not out off 77 balls.