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.

But the Proteas, 1-0 up in this three-match series after a dominant innings and 12-run win in the first Test at Lord's, were 23-0 at stumps -- still a deficit of 241.

Sarel Erwee was 12 not out and South Africa captain Dean Elgar unbeaten on 11.

Earlier, Stokes and Foakes shared an impressive partnership of 173 after coming together with England wobbling at 147-5 following a double strike by express fast bowler Anrich Nortje that removed both overnight batsmen -- Jonny Bairstow (49) and opener Zak Crawley (38).

"Overjoyed"

"I was overjoyed getting a Test hundred," Foakes told Sky Sports after a second century in 16 matches at this level and first at home following his 107 on debut against Sri Lanka in Galle in November 2018.

The 29-year-old Surrey gloveman, whose England career has been interrupted by injuries and, more recently a bout of Covid-19, added: "When you go through a lean patch, it makes it even more special."

"It's obviously not easy and they've got a fantastic bowling attack so it was tough out there."

Nortje, despite being the pick of the Proteas' attack with overall figures of 3-82 in 20 overs, was curiously underused by Elgar