Stokes, Bairstow thrash South African bowlers

Monday, 4 January 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

1-Benjamin-Stokes-celebrates-scoring-a-double-century Benjamin Stokes celebrates scoring a double century

AFP: England all-rounder Ben Stokes hit a thrilling double century as he and Jonny Bairstow battered the South African bowlers into submission on the second day of the second Test at Newlands on Saturday.

Stokes slammed 258 and Bairstow made 150 not out before England declared on 629 for six. The pair shared a world Test record sixth wicket partnership of 399.

England great Ian Botham hailed a “magnificent” display by Ben Stokes after the Durham all-rounder smashed his record for the fastest England double century against South Africa.

Stokes, 24, reached the milestone from 163 balls on the second day of the second Test in Cape Town on Sunday, obliterating Botham’s mark of 220, set against India in 1982.

Stokes’s innings was also the second-fastest double ton in Test history, surpassed only by Nathan Astle’s record of 153 balls for New Zealand against England in 2002.