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.

Jonny Bairstow fell one run short of his half century, with Nortje adding reverse swing to his top pace and the Yorkshireman edging to Erwee at first slip. Another fine delivery ended the solid contribution of 38 from under-scrutiny England opening batsman Zak Crawley, with Nortje's perfect line inducing an edge to keeper Kyle Verreynne. That meant England were on 147-5, still four runs behind South Africa's first innings total. But Stokes and Foakes then knuckled down before lunch to begin building the lead. Stokes showed his intent by hitting spinner Simon Harmer over mid-wicket for six, while Keshav Maharaj had an lbw decision against Foakes go in his favour only for it to be overturned on review.

STOKES TONAfter lunch Stokes brought up his half-century by hitting Harmer over mid-on onto the England dressing room balcony but he kept his aggression in check for most of his innings. South Africa were