Ben Stokes bowled England to an epic fifth-day victory in the second Test at Cape Town, edging a compelling battle of wills with a defiant South Africa.
Stokes claimed the last three wickets in the space of 14 deliveries deep into the concluding session of the match as England wrapped up a 189-run win.
Not only was it a first success for England at the famous Newlands ground since 1957, it was also an outstanding advert for the long-form storytelling that is five-day Test cricket – a format at this very moment in danger of being curtailed by administrators.
Starting the day chasing eight wickets to square the series at 1-1, Joe Root’s side still needed five after tea as the Proteas dug deep on a passive Newlands pitch.
At various stages it seemed a doomed pursuit in sapping heat, but the tourists rallied triumphantly as time ran out, with Stokes blowing away Dwaine Pretorius and Anrich Nortje with consecutive balls, then finishing off last man Vernon Philander with 8.2 overs remaining.
Data point
Honours even
What they said
All eyes on Anderson
James Anderson was visibly struggling with a side injury as the game wound towards its conclusion, managing just two painful overs after tea. Speaking after the game, Root confirmed the 37-year-old was scheduled for scans to determine the extent of the problem. Anderson is just two games into his comeback after missing five months with a calf complaint and will be desperate to avoid another setback.
Buttler turns the air blue
Humblebrag award
Well played Pieter Malan, would have loved to welcome you to the #100 on debut club.
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) January 7, 2020
Alviro Petersen became the third South African to score a century on Test debut against India in 2010, a fact he alluded to while congratulating Pieter Malan on his impressive effort of 84 at Newlands.
What’s next?
