ENG vs SA: Twin lots of from Stokes and Foakes places England in driver’s seat on Day 2 at Manchester

England flip up the warmth on the South African bowling line-up, hitting again with twin centuries from two Bens – Stokes and Foakes.

Ben Stokes gestures for his father after scoring his century. (Courtesy: Reuters)

HIGHLIGHTSSouth Africa had been dominating with the ball within the early session of playBen Stokes partnered with keeper Ben Foakes to place England in a powerful positionEarlier on Day 1, England skittled South Africa for simply 151 runs

Centuries by England skipper Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes gave the hosts a commanding first innings lead after they declared at 415 for 9, with South Africa trailing by 241 runs on the shut on the second day of the second take a look at on Friday.

The vacationers, who lead the three-match collection 1-0, reached 23 with out loss of their second innings with Sarel Erwee on 12 and Dean Elgar on 11 however they face a tricky activity because the Old Trafford pitch favours seamers and spinners.

Stokes and wicketkeeper-batsman Foakes had placed on a 173-run partnership for the sixth wicket after South African fast Anrich Nortje struck twice to take away England’s in a single day batsmen throughout an excellent opening spell within the morning session.

Jonny Bairstow fell one run wanting his half century, with Nortje including reverse swing to his high tempo and the Yorkshireman edging to Erwee at first slip.

Another high quality supply ended the strong contribution of 38 from under-scrutiny England opening batsman Zak Crawley, with Nortje’s good line inducing an edge to keeper Kyle Verreynne.

That meant England had been on 147-5, nonetheless 4 runs behind South Africa’s first innings complete. But Stokes and Foakes then batted positively earlier than lunch to start constructing the lead.

Stokes confirmed his intent by hitting spinner Simon Harmer over mid-wicket for six, whereas Keshav Maharaj had an lbw resolution in opposition to Foakes go in his favour just for it to be overturned on overview.

After lunch Stokes introduced up his half-century by hitting Simon Harmer over mid-on onto the England dressing room balcony however he stored his aggression in test for many of his innings.

Stokes accelerated to his twelfth take a look at ton, reaching the landmark in 158 balls, earlier than he discovered the forefront off Kagiso Rabada and was caught by Elgar at cowl.

There had been cameos from Stuart Broad (21), Ollie Robinson (17) and Jack Leach (11) however Foakes ended unbeaten on 113 after his second profession take a look at century and his first on residence soil.

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