Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes’ centuries helped steady England’s innings on day two of the second Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Friday.
Stokes played a beautiful game scoring his 12th century in 85 Tests and his fourth against the Proteas.
The England captain scored his century after facing 158 deliveries. He fell victim to Kagiso Rabada’s bowling and left the crease on 103 runs in 163 balls in the 90th over. He hit six fours and three sixes.
Foakes, who is a wicketkeeper, hit his second century in 16 Tests as he scored 102 after facing 206 balls. He ended up with 113 runs from 217 deliveries.
Soon after losing their ninth wicket, England declared on 415 and invited the Proteas to bat.
At stumps, the Proteas were on 23 and still trailing by 241 with Sarel Erwee having 12 runs and captain Dean Elgar on 11.
