Stokes thrashes rapid double century

We take a look at Ben Stokes’ achievements after the England batsman wrote his name into Test cricket’s record books against South Africa.

The all-rounder arrived at the crease in Cape Town with his side on 167 for four and in danger of throwing away a promising position, but by stumps he had transformed the game with an unbeaten 74 in 91 balls. In the afternoon, he produced an effort ball to get rid of Dean Elgar and keep England on track for victory in the second Test, even if they face a long, hard slog to make that happen on a glorious batting surface.

Jonny Bairstow scored his maiden Test century as the two shared the largest 6th wicket partnership in the history of the game putting on 399; most of which came in boundaries.

– In his innings so far*, he smashed eight, which is the second highest by an England batsman in Tests.

Morris was one of two enforced changes to the bowling attack, joining wicket-taker Kagiso Rabada in place of the injured Dale Steyn and Kyle Abbott, while Quinton de Kock came in for JP Duminy.

James Anderson, replacing Chris Woakes after passing a fitness test, was also able to bank another day of rest on his troublesome calf.

“It’s a massive amount to try and drag back and we were a little shell-shocked the way things were going”.

Root survived a dropped chance on 13, when Morris spilled a tough chance in the gully, before Rabada squared him up with a short ball that flew into the air but out of reach as De Villiers raced in from slip. Rabada caught the edge, and Morris dived low to his left to take a one-handed catch just above the turf.

England’s lunch score of 76 for one still represented a strong platform and they set about upping the stakes as soon as play resumed.

Hales will be disappointed he did not go on to reach three fi gures.

When Dane Piedt’s off-spin arrived Stokes appeared nearly offended, warming up with a reverse-swept four then unloading five mighty sixes in four overs.

After a lengthy breather Morkel returned to see off Hales, feeling for the ball outside off to depart for 60.

The match seemed evenly poised when Joe Root was dismissed for 50 by new cap Chris Morris.

For a batsman eager to convert more half-centuries into full ones, this was a familiar but frustrating start to 2016.

The English left hander is the first England batsman and only the second overseas player to notch up a double century in Cape Town after former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming.

But Stokes and Jonny Bairstow (39 not out) put on 94 in quick time to move the tourists on to 317-5 at the close of play, as they attempt to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series following their victory in Durban earlier this week.

Morris was given the second new ball, but saw a decent inswinger driven beautifully down the ground by Stokes, and a sharp lifter edged over second slip.

Nick Compton, Cook’s fi rst opening partner following the retirement of Andrew Strauss in 2012, is back in the team after a two-and-a-half year absence and providing much-needed ballast at No3 in the order.