Stokes and Foakes tons ease England away from South Africa in second Test

Not even the most optimistic member of the Amazon Prime marketing team could have predicted such a launch day for their new film about the life and times of Ben Stokes.

Posters, viral clips, in-depth interviews and the like – none of these could top the man himself compiling a first century as England captain that saw his side take full control of their must-win second Test against South Africa.

It came shortly after tea on the second day at a lively Old Trafford as Stokes, on 99, danced out to Kagiso Rabada and, not for the first time, drilled a perfect straight drive. Rabada stuck out a boot instinctively, the ball ricocheted to square leg and, to the delight of the crowd and his teammates, England’s talisman was savouring three figures in the sport’s longest, toughest and most satisfying format for the 12th time.

Stokes kept his emotions in check, preferring to whip off his helmet, drop his gloves to the turf and raise his bat almost sheepishly in response to the eruption of noise.

After a hug from Ben Foakes – Robin to his Batman and a centurion himself later in the day – he offered a crooked middle finger skywards as a nod to his father, Ged, whose passing in late 2020 is one of the threads of a compelling documentary about anxiety and strength.

The 31-year-old had needed the word ‘cathartic’ explained to him during his pre-match press conference but looked to be experiencing its meaning out in the middle. And though dismissed shortly after, his wonderfully controlled innings of 103 from 163 balls terminated by a top-edge off Rabada, Stokes was able to take his place on the balcony, don the aviators and watch Foakes finesse his way to 113 not out from 217 balls.

Along with Stuart Broad’s typically madcap 21 and some