Stokes century sees England to 353 all out against South Africa

Saturday, 29 July 2017 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

AFP: Ben Stokes made a century as England were dismissed for 353 on the second day of the third Test against South Africa at The Oval on Friday.

Stokes was last man out for 112, the Durham all-rounder’s fifth Test hundred and second against South Africa.

He went to his century in style when, with just No 11 James Anderson for company, he hoisted left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for two sixes in as many balls.

The first was ‘caught’ by Faf du Plessis but the South Africa captain touched the boundary rope as he fell, meaning Stokes had scored a six.

DFT-4

South Africa were without Vernon Philander for most of Friday’s play, the paceman bowling just five overs before being sent to hospital for tests after what was thought to be a stomach bug worsened.Former England captain Alastair Cook made 88 after current skipper Joe Root won the toss in what is the 100th Test staged at The Oval.

Fast bowler Morne Morkel led South Africa’s attack in Philander’s absence with three for 70 in 28.2 overs.

This four match-series is level at 1-1.