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.

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, got through to stumps on 23-0 -- a deficit of 241 runs. 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 after a double strike by fast bowler Anrich Nortje. By recalling Simon Harmer as a second spinner to their attack, in the hope the pitch at Old Trafford would offer more turn as the game went on, South Africa had almost been obliged to bat first upon winning the toss.

But off-spinner Harmer, a prolific wicket-taker with county side Essex, and slow left-armer Keshav Maharaj could only manage three late-order wickets between them for a combined 151 runs in 45.4 overs Harmer's first delivery on Friday, a full toss, was stroked through the covers for four by Foakes and, three balls later, Stokes swept him for six. Left-handed batsman Stokes, 34 not out at lunch, completed a 101-ball fifty when he lofted Harmer for six in classic style.

Stokes went into the 80s with a straight six off Maharaj, before Foakes completed a well-made fifty off 116 balls. South Africa took the new ball as soon as possible, with England 288-5 off 80 overs, only for Stokes to then glance the next