Ollie Pope struck his first of what will surely be many Test centuries and Ben Stokes cracked a hundred of his own to put England in a dominant position on day two of the third Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth.
Pope dazzled for (not out, at (years and) ************************************************************** days becoming the youngest player to make a maiden Test hundred for England since Alastair Cook in 46038.
Stokes continued his stellar form for 120 to take the tourists to 499 – 9 declared – the first time England have made more than (batting first for over two years.
The fifth-wicket pair extended their overnight partnership to (********************************************************, crushing the spirit of the South Africa attack.
Sam Curran and Mark Wood took advantage, Curran adding a breezy and Wood swinging his way to (from only) ********************************************************************** (deliveries, including five sixes.)
After England declared, off-spinner Dom Bess exploited the turn on offer, removing Pieter Malan and Zubayr Hamza to leave the Proteas 74 – 2, 823 behind.
Bad light and rain closed in with eight overs remaining, denying England the chance to make further inroads, but they still have a golden opportunity to go 2-1 up with one Test to play.
Even with the surface remaining good for batting, England have the advantage of scoreboard pressure and the weapon of Wood, who bowled a fiery spell in excess of 150 mph in his first Test for (months.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings