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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.

Asia Cup 2022: Default ‘captain’ Rahul Dravid’s test begins in his absence

With multiple captains this year, head coach had to attend selection meetings, take all tough calls and scramble to put together a settled combination for the Asia Cup in UAE and T20 World Cup in Australia.DUBAI: For a man who emphasizes on ‘process’ more than results, Rahul Dravid’s journey as Team India’s head coach, leading to the T20 World Cup, has been put to test. When he took over from Ravi Shastri after the T20 World Cup debacle, India aimed at playing a specific style of cricket, besides having a stable core for the playing XI. Even as Rohit Sharma assumed all-format captaincy by March, Dravid remained the captain of the ship all through. Unavailability of top players prompted India to field seven captains across formats in the last eight months. For a man who has forever harped on the need for consistency, Dravid’s journey as Team India coach has ironically been a topsy turvy one. Unlike the preceding team management, when then captain Virat Kohli called the shots with Shastri majorly working on executing the plans and managing the players, Dravid has been in the driver’s seat by default. From attending selection meetings to managing the workload of his marquee players, ‘the wall’ of Indian cricket has been enduring the roughest of environments. The results in bilateral T20I cricket point at India’s supremacy in the format. Yet, one can’t dismiss the underlying anxiety over the team composition as the T20 World Cup draws closer. Besides the regular overwhelming hype around the India-Pakistan matches, the Asia Cup here is significant for Team India to finally settle down with a set of players.

Unloved Christchurch stadium creaks into life for All Blacks Test

The unloved Orangetheory Stadium creaks back into use on Saturday, with All Blacks veteran Sam Whitelock delivering a heartfelt reminder of why Test rugby should be played in Christchurch.

England vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Day 2: Ton-up Ben Stokes And Ben Foakes Add To South Africa's Agony

Ben Stokes hit his first century since being appointed England's full-time captain and wicketkeeper Ben Foakes also reached three figures as the hosts established a commanding lead over South Africa in the second Test in Manchester on Friday. Stokes made 103, with Foakes a Test-best 113 not out when his skipper declared England's first innings on 415-9, a lead of 264 runs, after South Africa had been dismissed for a meagre 151. That left World Test Championship leaders South Africa with a tricky nine overs to bat before the close of the second day at a sun-drenched Old Trafford.

Japan v Ireland, second Test - All You Need To Know

It will be hard to top last week's performance in Shizuoka, but that's a good problem to have.

Opinion: The real test of Remco Evenepoel and Quick-Step's red jersey credentials at La Vuelta start this weekend

The sixth man to lead this year's La Vuelta did what none of his predecessors have managed and retained the red jersey on Friday – ensuring that the 77th edition will not become the first ever Grand Tour in history to produce seven different leaders from the first seven days. But speaking after a relatively easy day in the saddle, Remco Evenepoel seemingly made light of the challenges on the immediate horizon – skirting over the dual summit finishes in the Asturias this weekend to focus instead on Tuesday’s time trial, for which he will admittedly be the overwhelming favourite.

Ton-up Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes add to South Africa's agony in second Test

Stokes made 103, with Foakes a Test-best 113 not out after completing his second century at this level when his skipper declared England's first innings on 415-9, a lead of 264 runs, after South Africa had been dismissed for a meagre 151. That left World Test Championship leaders South Africa with a tricky nine overs to bat before the close of the second day at a sun-drenched Old Trafford.

Friday night pub quiz: Test your general knowledge with these 20 questions - August 26

It's Friday night and what better way to spend it than doing the Manchester Evening News pub quiz!

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

Asia Cup 2022: Default ‘captain’ Rahul Dravid’s test begins in his absence

Unloved Christchurch stadium creaks into life for All Blacks Test

England vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Day 2: Ton-up Ben Stokes And Ben Foakes Add To South Africa's Agony

Japan v Ireland, second Test - All You Need To Know

Opinion: The real test of Remco Evenepoel and Quick-Step's red jersey credentials at La Vuelta start this weekend

Ton-up Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes add to South Africa's agony in second Test

Friday night pub quiz: Test your general knowledge with these 20 questions - August 26