England leave huge task for Proteas

Ben Stokes launched an astonishing assault which enabled England to give themselves plenty of time to push for victory, but the tourists had to work hard to take two South African wickets before the close on the fourth day of the second Test at Newlands on Monday.

Set to make a world record 438 to win, South Africa were 126 for two at the close. They used up 56 overs yesterday but will need to bat out another 90 on the final day to prevent England from levelling the four-match series.

Opening batsman Pieter Malan, making his Test debut, scored 63 not out and shared half-century partnerships with Dean Elgar (34) and Zubayr Hamza, who was caught behind off James Anderson in the penultimate over of the day for 18.

Stokes slammed 72 off 47 balls to overshadow a maiden Test century by Dominic Sibley, who continued his sedate progress as he took his overnight score of 85 to 133 not out. He reached his hundred off 269 balls and faced 311 deliveries in his innings.

England’s batting yesterday was in dramatic contrast to their effort on Sunday when they ground their way to 218 for four off 79 overs. Sparked by Stokes they added another 157 runs off only 32 overs before declaring five overs after lunch on 391 for eight.

SCORES IN BRIEF

ENGLAND: First innings 269 and second innings 391 for dec in 111 overs (Sibley 133 not out, Root 61, Stokes 72; Rabada 2-69, Nortje 3-61, Maharaj 2-160)

SOUTH Africa: First innings 223 and second innings 126 for two in 56 overs (Malan 63 not out, Elgar 34, Maharaj 2 not out; Anderson 1-18, Denly 1-26)