South Africa vs. England: Ben Stokes keeps the hosts in the game in the first Test
South Africa vs. England: Ben Stokes keeps the hosts in the game in the first Test
England faced South Africa in the first Test match and is holding on thanks to a Ben Stokes-inspired comeback on day two at Lord’s.
Sarel Erwee, the Proteas’ opening batsman for South Africa, scored 73 to put his team in a commanding 27-run lead with seven first-innings wickets remaining.
However, as part of South Africa’s decline from 160-2 to 210-6, Stokes bounced out Erwee and then had Rassie van der Dussen lbw.
Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, who shared a crucial partnership of 72 from only 75 balls, halted the rot.
Stokes had Maharaj hook to Matthew Potts for 41 as England appeared worn out and the game was slipping away, leaving Jansen undefeated on 41 and South Africa 289-7, a 124-point lead.
Topped with proteas as Lord’s turns crimson
The Ruth Strauss Foundation’s red-splattered day at Lord’s was maybe the most exhausting of England’s new age. Most of it was won by South Africa, which would have already vanished from view if it weren’t for Stokes.
The inconsistent England attack, which appeared rusty despite having opportunities in the County Championship and for the England Lions, gave the Proteas an advantage. James Anderson and Stuart Broad haven’t played since the win over India at the beginning of July.
There were occasions when the bowling on Thursday was more disappointing than the batting difficulties on Wednesday because of the movement that was available.
There were occasions when the bowling on Thursday was more disappointing than the batting difficulties on Wednesday because of the movement that was available.
As captain, Stokes did everything he could, including maintaining five slips for extended periods, but it was with the ball that he had the most influence.
Still, England has little room for mistake after the Jansen-Maharaj pairing caused such severe damage. There is still time for the home team to win this Test, but they must fully use the second new ball that will be available after three overs on the third morning.
Stokes’ goals give England optimism
The opposite of England’s dashers, South Africa’s opening pair of Erwee and Dean Elgar steadfastly stifled the domestic onslaught with an 85-run combination.
Even after he unluckily deflected Anderson onto his stumps to retire for 47, Captain Elgar challenged being ruled caught behind and was dropped by Crawley at second slip while both were on seven. Broad then missed the opportunity to run out Keegan Petersen.
Erwee got tangled up against a dangerous bouncer despite a clear short-ball strategy, was caught by Ben Foakes, and Stokes eventually bowled Van van Dussen out with a hooping inswinger.
South Africa had lost four wickets for 50 runs when Kyle Verreyne edged behind at Lord’s, giving Broad his 100th Test wicket.
England had the momentum and support of the fans, but Jansen and Maharaj were able to handle the strain and then punish Broad, Anderson, and Stokes, with the last being hooked for six by Jansen.
Rabada pierces England’s back
Pope, who started the day on 61, had the only hope that England had of extending their overnight 116-6 score near 200.
When Pope pulled a wayward drive at the same bowler onto his stumps after being dropped by first slip Erwee off Rabada in the first over, South Africa sprung into action.
In addition to masterfully swinging the ball, Rabada also deceived Broad with a slower ball. Rabada earned his first spot on the Lord’s honors board as he trapped Anderson’s leg before wicket after Jansen bowled a sweeping Leach.
Childhood ambition
“Jack Leach, an England spinner, said to BBC Sport, “Despite the fact that we are clearly behind in the game, there is still much to gain. After a few early dismissals in the morning, we must bat really effectively in the second innings.
“It resembles [the roles we’ve played during the summer] quite a bit. It’s important to remember that we’ve been in this situation before and that we must fight for each and every minute in the coming days.
It is difficult to bat in the opening innings at Lord’s, and then maybe you get a heavy roller on it, and that makes a difference.
“Due to an ankle ailment, I wasn’t sure if I would play two weeks ago. That was the degree of my suffering. But happily, the medical team has made an exception to assist me. They performed a great job, and I realize that’s their job.”
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