Stokes, Fawkes lift England with bold batting

England held tight control of the Second Test against South Africa for centuries by England skippers Ben Stokes and Ben Fawkes, and took an innings lead at the end of the second day of the second Test. I took it away.
Stokes declared 415 for 9 and South Africa trailed by 241 runs after surviving a tricky 9-over spell before the stumps.
The Tourists, who lead a 1-0 three-game series, have gone unbeaten twice to reach 23 with 12 in Salel Erwie and 11 in Dean Elgar, but today they face a real battle against the English attack. increase.
For all the talk about the ultra-aggressive ‘buzzball’ style introduced under the Stokes captaincy and the leadership of coach Brendon McCallum, this is England captain and wicket-keeper batsman Fawkes sixth. wickets.
It was a much-needed contribution after South Africa’s Quick Anrich Nolce hit two batters to eliminate England’s overnight batsman with an excellent opening spell in the morning.
Johnny Bairstow was one run short of a half-century, Norce added a reverse swing to top pace, and the Yorkshireman caught up with Erwie on the first slip.
Another fine delivery ended a solid contribution of 38 from under-scrutinized England opener Zach Crowley, with Norce’s perfect line giving keeper Kyle Veraine the edge.
That meant England were 147-5, four runs behind South Africa’s first innings total. However, Stokes and Fawkes knuckled down before lunch and started building a lead.
Stokes showed his intentions by hitting spinner Simon Hamer at midwicket six times.
After lunch, Stokes brought up half a century by slamming Hamer into the balcony of England’s dressing room midway, but kept his aggression in check for most of the innings.
South Africa failed to take a wicket for the entire afternoon session. The soft ball on the hard Old Trafford surface did little to inspire a seam attack.
Stokes accelerated to test tons for the 12th time, reaching the landmark on 158 balls and his second 50 on 56 balls.
He struck a combination of individual and collective responsibility, but the only disappointment for the crowd was that he found the leading edge in front of Kagiso Labada and was covered by Elgar before unleashing an evening blitz. rice field.
In exchange for cameos from Stuart Broad (21), Ollie Robinson (17) and Jack Leach (11), Folkes finished out 113 after a second career test century and first century at home ground. Did.
It was a spectacular blow – initially playing the role of inevitable support for the skipper before taking the lead in England’s scoring increase – and when he left unbeaten, he looked content. Fawkes’ first tonne made his debut against Sri Lanka at Goal in November 2018, where he managed to score a second ton against a South African attack that tore England apart in the First Test at Lord’s. I was happy that “It was a bit of a relief. I was overjoyed to get the test hundred. I think I celebrated this a little bit more because I realized how hard it was to get them after waiting a bit,” he said. “Obviously it’s not easy and they have a great bowling offense, so it was a tough match. With this partnership, we’re clearly well positioned in the game. Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.” I hope I can work,” he said. The 29-year-old said he enjoyed playing in the New England set-up under Stokes and McCallum. They let you go and let you play your way.They are very supportive.”