Relive Stokes' record-breaking 258

1. Stokes 258 off 198 balls
2. Second fastest Test double century
3. Bairstow 150* - maiden Test century
4. Highest Test sixth-wicket stand (399)
5. Amla 64*, De Villiers 25*
6. England lead 1-0 in four-match series

Goodnight

AP

Well, it's time for me to sign off after what has been a sensational day of cricket.

There's going to be plenty more reaction over here and I'll be back in the morning.

Until then... night!

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"I think if they could get these two (Amla and De Villiers) out reasonably early, there's enough players in that line-up that are not great players, that England could get them out. There's guys who are not in great form, and the tail end is poor. De Villiers can be cruel - we've seen him in one-day cricket, he can play like Ben Stokes. The first half of the day is crucial." 

What about tomorrow? England will have a second crack at South Africa, who still need 289 runs to avoid the follow on tomorrow.

I know what you're thinking... 289 runs? Ben Stokes could get them before breakfast...

Herculean Stokes

Nice, Jeanna. Nice.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Elgar played well - a nice big stride forward to the ball. He plays very straight, he drives the ball off the front of the bat.

"Once you've done it in Test cricket, it only takes 20 or 30 runs. A batsman like Amla, who caresses it, he could easily get 200 tomorrow."

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Any praise for a chastened South Africa from Geoffrey? Of course...

'Best day of my life'

England's Jonny Bairstow on Sky Sports: "It's the best day of my life. There's been ups and down along the way. It's not just special for me, but all the people who have helped me along the way. I'm over the moon.

"It's a special day for all the family, both here and not here.

"There's been lots of things over the last few years. My grandpa passed away last year and my dad's anniversary is coming up.

"It's great to play Test cricket and to come out and score 150 in a new year's Test, it's the start of what will hopefully be a long career.

"It was absolutely not a plan to play second fiddle to Ben, but he was going like a steam train. He was unbelievable and it was a special knock."

Jonny's father David, who played four Tests for England and had a glittering Yorkshire career, died aged 46 on 5 January 1998.

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'Ginger ninjas'

'I let him have his moment'

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More from Ben Stokes: "People won't speak of Jonny's knock, but the way he played his natural game was amazing. 

"Jonny has worked really hard on how to play quick bowling. In the first Test he showed what form he is in. I'm buzzing for him. 

"I was conscious of getting out of the way when he got his first hundred. You want that 10 or 15 seconds all to your self. You want to salute your team-mates and the Barmy Army. 

"I let him have his moment then told him how proud I was of him."

Oh my Broad!

'Cookie asked if I wanted to go for 300'

More from Ben Stokes: "It's nice when you get a flat wicket. You can hit through the line and you don't have to worry about your feet because I was just using my hands by the end of it. 

"Cookie sent a message out when we were on 600 saying '630, or do you want to go for 300?'. I said it didn't matter because I was just trying to hit every ball."

AP

How's stat?!

Here's that Stokes innings in numbers...

• Fastest Test double century by an England batsman
• Highest score by an England batsman at Newlands, beating Jack Hobbs' 187 in 1910
• Most sixes by an England batsman (11), beating Wally Hammond in 1933
• Fastest ever 250 in Test cricket, from 196 balls
• Highest score by an England number six, surpassing Graeme Hick's 178 against India in Mumbai in 1993
• Stokes and Bairstow set the fastest 300 partnership, beating India's Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid
• Stokes and Bairstow set the highest Test partnership for the sixth wicket

'I wanted to take the shine off the ball'

More from Ben Stokes: "I wasn't intentionally going to play like that last night, I just got myself in on a good wicket.

"Once the new ball came, it pinged off the bat a bit faster.

"I was just trying to get the shine off it as quickly as possible."

Less is more from Nasser

Former England captain Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports: "Class knock, absolutely class knock."

'He who dares... scores 250'

England's Ben Stokes on Sky Sports: "I can't really believe what I did. It hasn't sunk in yet. It was just one of them days. Everything went my way. I don't really know how to explain it.

"He who dares is probably the best way to describe it.

"When I looked at the board, we had a lot runs and I thought we were in good position anyway. So I just tried to chance my arm because I thought me slogging one up in the air wouldn't hurt too much."

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

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"Bairstow's mature, he didn't try to compete with Stokes. Bairstow carried on playing, took his singles, played his shots when he could, and after he got 100 he played expressively."

I'm sure there'll be a few of Jonny Bairstow's best bits in there too...

If you listen to Test Match Special now - you can do so via this page - they are replaying the highlights of that astonishing Ben Stokes innings.

Beefy salutes Stokes

Former all-rounder Ian Botham, whose record for fastest England double century Stokes broke today, on Sky Sports: "The next three days he's not going to sleep. He's going to run in and bowl 100mph and dive through picket fences. You've got to make the most of it and enjoy it."

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Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"If anything South Africa got sucked in to bowling Stokes out. If they had played like a 50-over match they would have tried more yorkers.

"I'm not blaming Amla this time - I don't think you could have done much. Stokes may have hit those one-day variations, it was just his day!"

Could South Africa have done anything to stop Storm Stokes? Geoffrey doesn't think so.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

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"Stokes doesn't bat the same style but remember Kapil Dev? He plays in that free uninhibited way. They are just cleanly hit. They sailed over the boundary by a long way.

"Everybody that has come today will go home and say they've seen something really rare. Rare, special, enjoyable, memorable."

The day was all about Ben Stokes, however, with the all-rounder adding to his batting exploits with the wicket of stubborn opener Dean Elgar.

England, by the way, scored 312 runs in 39 overs with the bat today. Wow.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa feel to be a team in decline but they have shown some steel."

AP

When South Africa were put out of their fielding misery, their day appeared to be going from bad to worse as opener Stiaan van Zyl fell to a run out with less than 10 on the board.

However, Dean Elgar (44), Hashim Amla (64*) and AB De Villiers (25*) all batted sensibly to give South Africa a fighting chance. The hosts ended the day 141-2.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It was an extraordinary day, an extraordinary batting performance. Stokes teed off right from the first over. Amla opened with Morris and he seemed to fancy him from the off. Nobody saw this coming. We all know that Stokes is a rough diamond, a free spirit."

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At the other end, Jonny Bairstow played a fine supporting role and reached his maiden Test century after lunch before going through the gears himself.

Jos Buttler will have to go some to get back into the side now.

Bairstow finished with 150 not out, his innings only being ended when England declared on 629-6.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"You felt he could hit it absolutely anywhere."

As Geoffrey says, Stokes was smashing everything. It was like a closing down sale at a shop - everything had to go. And it did.

Morne Morkel, with more than 200 Test wickets to his name, was bowling length balls and watching them disappear back over his head.

It really was sensational stuff.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

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"It's been a memorable day. That was phenomenal. You won't see many innings like Ben Stokes'. They are very special moments.

"Jonny Bairstow played well at second fiddle, but some of the strokes by Stokes... he kept smashing the bowlers back over their head.

"It was an outstanding innings - I'm very pleased for the young man - a marvellous performance."

Ben Stokes started the day on 74 not out, but the best was yet to come.

He plundered runs left, right and centre. Poor Chris Morris, on his debut, went for 81 runs in 57 balls.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"It happened from the first over of the day, when Stokes smashed two fours. It gave us a sense of what was to come."

Review of the day

Let's recap on what happened today then.

To put it bluntly, Ben Stokes marmalised South Africa.

It was raining fours and sixes as the all-rounder produced an innings as imposing as Table Mountain which overlooks Newlands.

Alison Mitchell

BBC Test Match Special

"It's been a remarkable, remarkable day for English cricket. It will stick long in the memory of everyone who saw it, particularly the thousands who have travelled over to Cape Town."

'We thought Stokes might make it as a county player'

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Ben Stokes' heroics with the bat have taken even his former team-mates by surprise.

The all-rounder's 258 off 198 balls was the fastest double century by an England player, and the second quickest of all time.

But Geoff Minshaw, club secretary at Cockermouth in Cumbria, the club where Stokes played as a junior, told Press Association Sport: "We thought he could possibly make it as a county cricketer.

"I don't think anybody would have thought he would go on and dominate the world stage.

"He's got the potential to be the best all-rounder England have ever had and maybe the best all-rounder the world has ever seen."

Forget Sunday, this was Stokesday.

A sensational day of Test cricket ends with England 488 runs in front. Not bad, I suppose.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"That's 453 runs in the day - a record for the most scored in a day of Test cricket in South Africa. It beats the 450 made by Australia at Wanderers in 1921."

Close of play

Hashim Amla sends South Africa in for the close with a smile on their faces following successive boundaries down the ground and one thick-edged through the gully region. 

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John McGarvey: If you mix Stokes and Superman...

John McGarvey

SA 133-2 (trail by 496)

Steven Finn delivers what is likely to be the penultimate over of the day (it looks like we might lose another 36 balls tonight). There's a muted appeal when AB De Villiers doesn't play a shot and the ball flicks off the top of his front pad. Not out... but something to think about. 

SA 133-2 (Amla 56, De Villiers 25)

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Probably not, Sparky, since Stuart Broad appears to have wrestled the ball from Ben Stokes.

Broad always looks to be England's most skillful bowler and he gets one to reverse back into Hashim Amla and the batsman's confident leave looks a little ill-advised.

Amla is soon back on top with a cut through backward point for four.

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Sparky McGhee: Can they have the perfect finish to a perfect day? B Stokes c Bairstow.

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SA 129-2 (15 minutes until the close)

Has there, by the way, ever been a better time to be ginger? Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow have struck a blow for the flame-haired brigade today... as this next piece of social media underlines.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

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"Amla's last half-century was exactly a year ago today, against West Indies. He went 11 innings without a fifty, his longest run in Test cricket."

50 for Hashim Amla (off 110 balls)

There it is... an exquisite flick for four off his pads and Hashim Amla raises his bat for his first fifty in 11 Test innings.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"If that had hit the stumps, he would have been out."

SA 123-2 (trail by 506)

Ben Stokes is ticking now. He tries to run out AB de Villiers with a strong throw, misses and the ball runs for four overthrows. Stuart Broad, who should have been backing up, gets a flea in his ear. Ever the competitor.

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Ian Dobson: Daniel Craig is apparently going to be auditioning to be the next Ben Stokes.

SA 118-2 (Stokes 5-1-15-1)

A red-faced (sun, not embarrassment!) Ben Stokes is given one last chance to make his astounding day even better. He's getting bounce from the surface, which AB de Villiers rides and middles for two into the leg side. 

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"On a surface like this you really have to hang on to your chances because you know how hard you have to work for each wicket."

Joe Root dropped AB de Villiers on five at second slip.

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SA 116-2 (Amla 41 off 104)

Hashim Amla is a tall, slender player who doesn't seem to have an ounce of fat on him. He stands tall at the crease and opens the face to try and work Moeen Ali through the off side. He picks out the fielder though. Just one from the over.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Hashim Amla went 21 balls without scoring a run before that two."

SA 115-2 (trail by 514)

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James Anderson is playing a game of patience with AB de Villiers. He's hanging the ball outside off stump, has three slips in place and another three fielders in the ring on the off side. When the strike is rotated, an extra slip comes in for Hashim Amla. Who will blink first?

Three from the over, the highlight being a firm push down the ground for two by Amla.

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It hasn't been a good day for Hashim Amla but he can help to put things right with a solid batting performance, he can take a lot of pressure off himself." 

SA 112-2 (Moeen 6-1-23-0)

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The crowd gets their apparent wish: Moeen will bowl to Hashim.

Off-spin from round the wicket from the bowler and the batsman defends. We're bobbing along quietly to the close now.

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Conflicting views:

Josh Nagil: The Hashim/Moeen song at the South Africa v England game is infinitely better than the Kolo/Yaya song.

Phil: Someone please stop that Hashim Amla song.

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From the press box

SA 111-2 (trail by 518)

The supporters are entertaining themselves by adapting a song about the Toure brothers and inserting the names of Hashim and Moeen. It's a song which appears to be on repeat. James Anderson delivers another maiden to Hashim Amla.

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Dan Dyer: Why is the England cricket badge on Moeen Ali's shirt red and everybody else's blue? 

Can you help?

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SA 111-2 (De Villiers 20 off 20)

AB de Villiers is scoring at a run a ball here, leaning into a bit of a pie from Steven Finn to plunder four through mid-wicket.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

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"You would think the skipper would be thinking a bit more Ben Stokes before the end of play. The crowd will be boisterous and hoping he does something as he generally does."

SA 107-2 (Anderson 7-1-21-0)

Can I start a campaign here and now to get people to wear ginger wigs at work tomorrow, in tribute to Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. If you send in your pictures, we'll try and use some in the live text tomorrow.

Hashim Amla, it has to be said, looks in superb form. He's leaving well outside off stump and defending with a steely determination.

As skipper of the side, this match carries even great significance. Maiden over for James Anderson.

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I'm feeling a little drained from having to give England so many compliments. The South African batting unit is not going to get a better chance to find form. It's a big afternoon for AB de Villiers."

SA 107-2 (trail by 522)

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We're into the final hour of the day. One more wicket and England will be delighted, two more and it's party time.

Steven Finn is hanging the ball outside off stump waiting for a mistake, which he almost induces when AB goes fishing. The batsman responds by driving a full ball back down the ground for four. Shot!

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"That was as straightforward a catch as you're going to get at second slip, his hands got in the wrong position."

De Villiers dropped on 5

What a chance! AB de Villiers edges James Anderson to Joe Root at second slip and the grabber spills it. It was a bit of a Ronnie Rosenthal (a sitter), and runs away for four.

As for Anderson, he's furious and aims a sledge in the direction of the batsman who wisely just smiles and nods.

AB, I should add, always strikes me as a nice, laid-back fella.

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Jonathan Heward: Superman wears Ben Stokes pyjamas!

SA 96-2 (trail by 533)

Stuart Broad stands with his hands on his hips and blows bubbles from his gum. He'll be desperate to get a crack at AB de Villiers, who he's dismissed more than any other bowler in the world. For now, though, Steven Finn has the cherry in his hand. And I think he's got rid of Hashim Amla via a bottom edge which, bizarrely, England barely appealed for. If it was an edge, it was a tickle. But I think it was out.

How's stat?!

This is interesting...

Here comes Steven Finn...

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I don't think Ben Stokes' day is done yet. You would think that the skipper will be thinking, just give him three or four overs at the end to make something happen. I wouldn't bet against Stokes having more of a say - as if he hadn't had enough already."

SA 93-2 (Anderson 5-0-16-0)

AB de Villiers, like Ben Stokes, is more known for his big hitting. But he's also a master craftsman as he shows when he stands on his tiptoes and rides the bounces to ease James Anderson through the covers for three. For my money, the best batsman in the world if we take into account all formats.

Closely followed by Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Joe Root.

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AP

Chris Brown: Find me a person who's having a better 2016 than Ben Stokes and I'll call them a liar.

Butlins McCarthy: Stokes taking a wicket, about time he made a contribution to this game.

Shannon McKee: I'll take full responsibility for that wicket, after just declaring on #bbccricket that Elgar was going nowhere! you're all Welcome!

Shannon is right - we checked!

SA 90-2 (Amla 38, De Villiers 0)

It's unlikely we'll see an innings like Ben Stokes' again for a while, but if anyone can replicate it... AB de Villiers can.

England know that if they can get rid of AB or Hashim Amla now, they are well on top. The latter has different ideas though as he caresses Stuart Broad to the cover boundary. Sublime placement.

Drinks, all.

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Liam Hegarty: Ben Stokes to play Bond apparently #gingerbond.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

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"I'm amazed that it carried that far. Elgar tried to work it on to the on side but he closed the face. He gets to 44 but then makes that one error. It's a brilliant catch from Compton and it's that man again, Ben Stokes."

WICKET

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I was just writing that the compact Dean Elgar is more organised at the crease than a Filofax and then Ben Stokes steps up to clear the left-hander's diary for the rest of the day. A short delivery with steep bounce takes the outside edge and Nick Compton does the rest with a good catch at backward point.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Alastair Cook has just got to swap things around. there's no magic wand on a good pitch. Keep the tactic - keep it outside off stump. If you get Amla wide, out of his comfort zone, you might just get him to nick it."

SA 81-1

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The player to have dismissed Hashim Amla the most in his career? Mitchell Johnson. England might consider selecting Mark Footitt, their own left-arm quick, for the next Test if Hash goes big here.

Another interesting stat is that Amla is yet to score a run in the 'V'. Elgar, in contrast, has scored 22 of his runs down the ground.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"Cook took it very nicely at first slip, two hands above his head. Bairstow didn't even move."

SA 79-1 (Stokes 3-1-8-0)

There are a few light-hearted chuckles from players on both sides when Ben Stokes bowls a wide which ends up in the hands of Alastair Cook at first slip. Steve Harmison-esque. 

Tributes to Sussex's Matthew Hobden

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Sussex bowler Matthew Hobden, who has died aged 22, was a "gentle giant", according to his amateur club captain.

England cricketers wore black armbands as a mark of respect on Sunday. The cause of his death has not been given.

Jeremy Green, the first XI captain of Sussex league side Preston Nomads, said the news was "a massive shock".

"We had a nickname for him which was BMH, 'Big Matt Hobden'. He was a larger-than-life guy on and off the field," said Green.

Read more here

SA 78-1 (trail by 555)

Stuart Broad is trying every trick he's got up his sleeve... which is quite a few.

Bowling with a wobbly seam, dishing up short stuff or delivering loopy, slower ball yorkers, he always looks a threat.

But Hashim Amla has been around the block himself and pulls a bumper to the boundary.

SA 73-1 (Elgar 38, Amla 29)

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Ben Stokes gets a little taste of his own medicine when Dean Elgar punches him for four through the leg side.

I wonder if Marlon Samuels saw the innings today? Surely it's worthy of another salute? Marlon... we're here if you want to pay tribute.

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Amanda Rutter: Is 629 suddenly looking like a rather slim total on this batting pitch?

Karl Barrett: Looks like south Africa have made a flatter pitch to help their batsmen find some form. 

SA 66-1 (Broad 4-2-9-0)

Alastair Cook is not allowing this game to meander in the way Hashim Amla did at the same time yesterday. He brings Stuart Broad back for a spell. Bowling round the wicket, Broad is too leggy to nuggety left-hander Dean Elgar and is nudged for ones and twos. 

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"If you were a South Africa supporter you'd be fairly happy with how things are going. Elgar is getting his foot out to the ball and Amla is playing better, but he's got to be careful."

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James Thomas: Is there anywhere I can buy some Ben Stokes pyjamas? Age 43-44.

SA 61-1 (Elgar 29, Amla 26)

Ben Stokes has already brought a crate of lager, a box of wine and a tray of vol-au-vents to this party... but perhaps he has more to give?

He hurries Hashim Amla with a bouncer which the South Africa skipper is late on. A little appeal, no edge behind. Maiden over.

Here comes Ben Stokes...

Hold on to your hats.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It's so good this pitch, Hashim Amla is just staying on the back foot and picking Moeen off with a stick of rhubarb."

SA 61-1 (trail by 568)

AP

Thanks Justin, a good stint.

It's all gone a bit quiet, hasn't it? Like the coach home from a school trip, or perhaps the night bus from town. Everyone and everything has been going at 100mph and now there's the inevitable slump.

I'm sure that'll change once they chuck the ball to the cool kid at the back of the bus, Ben Stokes.

One from Steven Finn's latest set of six.

SA 60-1 (Moeen 5-1-22-0)

Amla may been in a bad run of form, but he's certainly looked accomplished today. He makes room to force Moeen through cover off the back foot for a couple as the off-spinner drops short before Elgar drives straight, his fifth boundary. And that's the 50 stand. Time for Marc Higginson to take the live text reins once more.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"This is a tough pitch to bowl on. Like a chief executive's wicket."

SA 53-1 (trail by 576)

Finn is fuller to finish the over. Elgar is up to the task.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It looks like it's going to be difficult for England to prise them out. They might have scored a lot of runs, but the ball is doing nothing for them at the moment."

Amla dropped on 21

Technically a chance but no blame attached to James Taylor there. Amla works Finn off his hips and Taylor does well to even get a hand to it low to his right at short leg. It would been a blinder.

Simon Mann

BBC Test Match Special

"Elgar is playing very nicely. He's carried on his good form from Durban, which is not always easy after you've been thrashed round the park."

SA 52-1 (trail by 577)

I'm yet to see one turn in this innings. Neither has Elgar, who casts aside his caution to dance down the track and deposit Moeen over the rope at long-on. He didn't quite get to the pitch but he kept his shape well and that was very sweetly struck.

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Patch Thompson: Ben Stokes is my new sporting icon. I'm going to do nothing but bicep curls and dye my hair in an attempt to become him.

SA 45-1 (trail by 584)

Reuters

"Hash-im, Hash-im. Hash-im, Hash-im. Hash-im, Hash-im. Hash-im, Hash-im, Hash-iiim." Easily pleased, some fans. Two off that over from Finn.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Ben Stokes should get a bowl before long. When you've had such a great performance, it can be horses for courses. I'd be giving him three overs to see what he can do."

SA 43-1 (trail by 586)

AP

Moeen to Amla. Beard to beard. Five dots followed by another whipped four off the legs by South Africa's skipper.

Alison Mitchell

BBC Test Match Special

"Dean Elgar is not looking all together on top of things here against Steven Finn."

SA 39-1 (Elgar 18, Amla 15)

The Root Experiment lasted only one over. Elgar has Steven Finn to face instead - and watches a bounces whistle past his nose. He responds by twice driving fuller deliveries back past the bowler, before Finn counters with a sharp blow to the glove.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It is such a good pitch here. It has got that lovely bounce and a fast outfield, I'd like a bat on it."

SA 31-1 (trail by 598)

Moeen continues. Spin from both ends, on the second day of the match no less. Who'd have thought it? He strays on to Amla legs and, like so many bowlers before him, pays the price.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

 "Amla is a popular figure but he has been struggling of late. There are many that would like to see a few hours of him batting. That triple century he got at The Oval in 2012, from the minute he walked to the middle he didn't look like getting out."  

SA 27-1 (trail by 602)

Tidyish from Root. Amla collects a single and Elgar a couple. No alarms.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"At the start after a break, get your big guns on. I hope Joe Root gets a wicket but it wouldn't be the normal thing."

Cheeky from England: Joe Root gets the first ball of the evening with his part-time off-spin. Interesting. Very interesting. Who ever said Alastair Cook was a predictable captain...?

The England players are in place, eager to get going again. Amla and Edgar are loitering on the edge of the boundary, slightly less keen. Let's do this.

Jonny Bairstow's mum and sister reveal they are likely to head for a glass of champagne with their son/brother at the close tonight. Richly deserved.

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Ali Mason: The greatest day in the history of gingers...

A proud mother

More from Jonny Bairstow's mum Janet on TMS: "He knew where we were and then when he got his hundred he turned round and pointed and that was a special moment. I usually get too nervous to watch, I just want him to do well like any mother would." 

Is this the cricket equivalent of 'Turtle power'?

'Jonny deserves it for his hard work'

Jonny Bairstow's mum Janet on Test Match Special: "He's in a good place at the moment and enjoying his cricket. He has worked very hard and he deserves it."

On the air now...

How's stat?!

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What a session. And what a day's Test cricket, which will be forever be remembered as the Ben Stokes Show, with a star cameo from Jonny Bairstow. If you're only just joining us, then I can only offer my sympathies. Scroll down for the full story...    

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"That last boundary was a reminder that it is a good pitch and there are runs out there. Mentally South Africa just have to play the ball and stick to their game plan. The way that England have played can do funny things to the mind though."

Tea - SA 24-1 (trail by 605)

Elgar has been about as reluctant in attack as a sulky teenager is to leave his bedroom, but he choses the final ball of the session to unfurl a wonderfully straight checked drive. Let's have tea, shall we?

SA 19-1

Steven Finn, who took six wickets in the first Test, gets the last over before tea. I wouldn't rule out something happening here...

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"You generally know when a batsman reviews it straightaway it is not going to be out."

Not out

Clear inside edge. The decision is overturned. As you were, gentleman. Maiden over.

South Africa review

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Moeen strikes! It's full, Elgar pushes forward, the ball strikes him on the pad, the finger is up! But wait - Elgar wants a review. No hesitation in asking.

SA 19-1

What are South Africa up to here? Almost another run-out as Elgar works Moeen to leg, thinks about a single. Panic over.

SA 19-1

And we have spin. Moeen Ali replaces Broad for a twirl before tea.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

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"Amla is a popular figure but he has been struggling of late. There are many that would like to see a few hours of him batting. That triple century he got at The Oval, from the minute he walked to the middle he didn't look like getting out."

SA 19-1 (Anderson 4-0-13-0)

Anderson in for his fourth over. England's premier bowler has four slips and a gully ready and waiting. Just a hint of outswing - no more than that - and Amla stands tall to force that through point for his first intentional boundary.

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Adam Taylor: I'm sure he's delighted by the score, but looking very difficult to see how Ian Bell could make a comeback.

Jamie Williams: I'm being very English and starting to feel sorry for the South African's.

Bloody Bishop: Dear England I'm working today and off next two days. Please have a heart save some excitement.

SA 15-1

Elgar, hunching over his bat like a student in a dimly lit library, is solid in defence to Broad. A maiden over. We have 10 minutes until tea.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

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"It's mental disintegration what England have done to South Africa. There is no swing, it's a perfect batting day and Van Zyl will be back in the dressing room thinking 'why?'"

SA 15-1 (Elgar 4, Amla 5)

Oooh! Almost another for England as Elgar, having eased Anderson through cover for two, sees an inside edge just evade his stumps. Amla then drives streakily wide of three expectant, hungry slips. Four to the total but nervous times all round.

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Jon Salinger: Why have England not bowled out South Africa yet?

Neil Burns: Stokes should have been given the new ball! He is blessed by the gods of cricket today!

Kristian Blade: Very impressive. But can they do it on a rainy Tuesday night in Stoke?

SA 8-1 (trail by 621)

Broad back over the wicket to the right-handed Amla. Having had his captaincy roundly lambasted for the past day and a half, Amla is now faced with leading the Proteas fightback against a rampant England. Good luck, Hash.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Amla is averaging just 15 in his last seven Tests."

SA 8-1 (trail by 621)

How can South Africa's day get any worse? Replying to a daunting 629, to lose one of your openers to a run-out in the third over is not far short of cricketing hara-kiri. Hashim Amla is the new man.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Getty Images

"What did I say before the start? Their confidence is down, it's like a rolling stone, you can't stop it. Who would have forecast a run-out on a flat pitch like that. It's a gimme wicket for England."

WICKET

South Africa fans, look away now. No, seriously, this is horrific. Van Zyl dtrops the ball to the left of point and starts jogging down the pitch. Dean Elgar starts to go then says no. Nick Compton scampers and collects the ball and Van Zyl is well short. Sorry, sorry viewing for the hosts.

Stokes reminds me of...

SA 7-0

Two left-handers opening up for South Africa - and Broad has clearly planned this round-the-wicket approach. Van Zyl collects a single off the final delivery.

SA 6-0

And it's Stuart Broad from the Wynberg End... Round the wicket to Van Zyl, who clips it off his pads for four. The chase is on.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"There has not been much movement in the pitch. They just have to bat well and at some stage they have to get the gremlins out of their minds."

SA 2-0

A triumph! South Africans rejoice! The first over, bowled by James Anderson, is negotiated without alarm by opening pair Dean Elgar and Stiaan van Zyl. Two off the over. Trailing by 627. Sorry, couldn't help myself.

South Africa remind me of...

So what can South Africa do? Can't say I envy them...

Getty Images

Stokes also hit more sixes in an innings than any England player in history, beating Wally Hammond's 11. Here's recap of both...

Stokes 258: 198 balls, 30 fours, 11 sixes.

Bairstow 150 not out: 191 balls, 18 fours, two sixes.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It is a good pitch. South Africa have to get it into their head to not play bad shots, make them bowl you out. It is not about plundering boundaries; it is about assessing what to leave and getting a steady start. Get a platform and move on."

Some more figures for you, stats fans: in the course of that innings, Stokes' Test batting average has gone from 28 to 34, and Bairstow's from 28 to 33.

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How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"The 550-600 took only 22 balls. They took 15.1 overs to get from 300-400 and just 11 overs from 400-500."

It's worth noting that Stokes and Bairstow added 399 for the sixth wicket - in only 58 overs - the highest sixth-wicket stand in Test history. Mightily impressive stuff.

England declare on 629-6

Cook clearly wants to give his bowlers a blast at this bedgraggled South Africa side. Who can blame him? The hosts have been pummelled today - 312 runs in 39 riotous overs.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"I didn't see that coming - I thought they would go on a bit longer. I'm not sure that if you bowled South Africa out he would make them follow on because in the hot weather it is hard work for the bowlers."

England declare on 629-6

And with that, Alastair Cook waves Bairstow and new batsman Moeen Ali in. Interesting.

Bairstow 150

Bairstow is on strike now - and he hoists Rabada for six next ball. A single takes him to his 150. Well batted.

Reuters

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"If you're a real lover of cricket, even if you're a South African, you have to put your hand up and say 'I am glad I was there.'"

WICKET

There's no third time lucky. Stokes swipes, the balls comes down with snow on it, but AB de Villiers drops a steepler at mid-on... Hang on, Stokes was ambling down the pitch - De Villiers picks the ball up, spots him out of his crease and throws down the stumps. A rather ugly end to a remarkable innings.

And another. Stokes goes big again.

Stokes 250

Getty Images

"Don't bowl there to me, young man." Rabada bangs it in once more, and Stokes pulls it disdainfully over mid-wicket for six. That's his 250 - the quickest in Test history.

Stokes reminds me of...

Drinks break - Eng 610-5

Four off the final four balls of the over and it's time for drinks. Actually, food - the sub fielders are trotting on to the field with plates of fruit, I think.

Alison Mitchell

BBC Test Match Special

"I'm afraid Morne Morkel is standing in front of the largest and most vocal contingent of the Barmy Army and he is not going to hear the end of that."

Bairstow dropped on 138

It doesn't rain but it pours... Even when a chance comes, South Africa manage to drop it. Morne Morkel barely had to move at long-off but Jonny Bairstow survives. To make matters worse, the ball goes for four. Chris Morris, for what it's worth, is the unlucky bowler. Deary me.

Reuters

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"A new sixth-wicket partnership record in Tests, 368, the third time in three years that has been broken."

Eng 601-5

Carnage. Pure carnage. Bairstow makes room to squeeze a near yorker-length delivery from Rabada through cover. He then pulls one to fine leg for six with very quick hands, and takes England past 600 with another powerful stroke back past the bowler. Only Rabada's shin prevents another boundary. Metaphorically and physically painful now.

350 partnership

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

Getty Images

"Just the 331 balls for that 350 partnership, with 40 fours and eight sixes."

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I think umpire Aleem Dar might be calling for a helmet soon. South Africa looking at the ball, I wouldn't be surprised if it has been knocked out of shape."

Eng 586-5 (Stokes 242, Bairstow 123)

Bairstow joins in the fun. First he pulls Stiaan Van Zyl through mid-wicket, then hammers him back over his head - flat and oh so hard. And another! Not quite as straight this time but the result is the same. They're hitting the ball so hard the umpires have to check if it's gone out of shape. Ouch. Ouch. And ouch again.

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"When South Africa bat the top three are going to be so crucial to try and stave off this momentum England have. If they go two down quickly there would be flutters in that dressing room again."

Eng 574-5

Stokes rubs South African noses in it by muscling four through mid-wicket - followed by another to a vacant third man. Power and placement in equal measure.

Not out

Getty Images

Yes, that pitched a good few inches outside leg stump. Desperation springs to mind.

South Africa review

Oooh, what have we here? Kagiso Rabada has an appeal for lbw against Stokes turned down, but South Africa want another look. Surely that pitched outside leg....

Thanks Higgy. A warning to you all: I won't be able to match all that excitement.

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 558-5 (Stokes 232, Bairstow 110)

"Could the person sat in Row Z, seat 134 please return the ball."

Ben Stokes plant another into the stands, hammering Stiaan van Zyl for a maximum over wide long-on.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to hand over to Justin Goulding.  

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 549-5

Kagiso Rabada is the only home bowler to have impressed in this innings. He keeps a handle on the scoring with some one-day style yorkers and bumpers... three coming from the over.

More Bairstow reaction

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 546-5 (partnership: 323 off 312)

Ben Stokes looks a little tired now. He occasionally crouches at the non-striker's end and grimaces when taking guard. It's been a phenomenal effort in the heat.

Crucially part-time off-break bowler Dean Elgar beats Jonny Bairstow's big swing with a hint of turn. Moeen Ali must be licking his lips.

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Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It's been a very mature innings from Bairstow. His game has developed in the last couple of years - he has improved against quicker bowling and improved against spin. Batting with Stokes, he just went about his business this morning."

Eng 542-5

Will Jonny Bairstow open his shoulders now too? He deserves plenty of credit... England were 223-5 when he walked to the crease. It could quite easily have been South Africa's chance to get on top... but they hadn't banked on the power of England's ginger giants.

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"You won't find a more popular individual. He can't resist the thought of his father looking down. He's blinking away tears. What a wonderful moment."

Bairstow's father, David, a wicketkeeper who played four Tests for England and had a glittering Yorkshire career, died in 1998, aged 46.

100 for Jonny Bairstow (off 161 balls)

Reuters

The crowd cheers as Jonny Bairstow takes strike on 99 not out. Stiaan van Zyl ambles in and Jonny Bairstow cuts him for four... bellowing with delight the moment the ball pierced the field.

Well done, young man. There's the hint of a tear in the eye of Bairstow as he look skywards. A special moment.

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 536-5 (Stokes 222 off 178)

Jonny Bairstow just doesn't want to give this away. He pushes more part-time bowling from Dean Elgar for a single to mid-on. Everyone is willing him to the three figures. He deserves it.

At the other end, Ben Stokes gets on one knee and smears four over square leg.

Buffet bowling.

Stop the fight!

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 530-5

Jonny Bairstow is teasing us. Standing on the cusp of his maiden Test century, he leaves one, blocks another and just plays out another over of line and length, village-style bowling from Stiaan van Zyl.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

Getty Images

"The 300 partnership came up in 285 balls, the quickest in Test history - beating Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid (343 balls) for India against Pakistan in Lahore in 2006."

Stokes reminds me of...

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I've only seen Garry Sobers on YouTube clips - but Stokes' swing of the bat looks very similar."

Eng 528-5 (Morkel 29-5-113-1)

South Africa's bowlers are going to need counselling after this. Post-Stokes syndrome.

Eng 526-5 (Stokes 215 off 173)

Meatier than a butcher's fridge! Ben Stokes stands tall and marmalises Morne Morkel over long-on for a huge six. He follows it up with a tickle for four round the corner.

Power and precision. And now a 300-run partnership.

Getty Images

Stokes reminds me of...

Leigh Woodrow: #bbccricket Stokes reminds me of . . . "We're gonna need a bigger . . . " fill applicable pun here.

Rex Features

Eng 516-5 (run-rate 4.52)

Stiaan van Zyl comes on for a bowl. He of the 70mph dobbers. Good luck, Stiaan!

To be fair, it's a good over. Two byes and a single. Calm before the next storm perhaps?

Storm Stokes.

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Dick in Penang: And once South Africa A do get one of these two out, Moeen Ali is next up! But I'm looking for a declaration when we get to 700, of which Stokes will have half. Probably not long after tea. Phew...

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 513-5 (Stokes 204, Bairstow 95)

South Africa captain Hashim Amla asks the umpires to check the shape of the ball. A good workman never blames his tools, Hashim!

Morne Morkel begins with a maiden to Jonny Bairstow.

Back under way

Let's do it all again, eh?

Getty Images

Stokes reminds me of...

High praise, indeed...

'A megastar of cricket'

The stats which matter

It's fair to say there was steam rising from the computer of TMS stats man Andrew Samson during that session...

• Most runs in a pre-lunch Test session by a single batsman (130 by Stokes)
• England's highest Test partnership for the sixth-wicket
• The partnership has the highest run rate of any in Tests over 250 runs  
• First England century at Newlands since 1965
• The highest score for an England batsman at Newlands, beating Jack Hobbs' 187 in 1910
• The highest score by an England number six. The previous best was Graeme Hick's 178 against India in Mumbai in 1986.
• The last England player to score 100 runs in a session before lunch was Ian Bell, against Bangladesh at Chester-le-Street in 2005 

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Ian Bradley: All credit to Bairstow this morning, quietly moving towards his own century but perfect foil for Stokes.

World's best cricket grounds

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Let me take this opportunity to point you in the direction of our photo gallery of the world's best cricket grounds, as chosen by you good people in yesterday's live text.

Have a gander here.

From the press box

Poor Chris Morris

This is Ben Stokes' run chart against Chris Morris. The stats are staggering.

Runs: 77. Balls: 53. Fours: 16

opta

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How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"England scored 196 in 25 overs in that session. Ben Stokes scored 130 in that, the most by a batsman in a pre-lunch session in a Test.

"The most scored in any session is 173 by Denis Compton against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in 1954."

If you watched that unfold, perhaps listened to it, or followed the live text updates... give yourself a moment, sit back and smile.

It's a day to be utterly proud of the England cricket team.

And one man in particular: Ben Stokes.

A national sporting icon has been born.

Stokes reminds me of...

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Ian Bradley: This England performance feels pivotal, like all great sides they force the advantage and hammer it home relentlessly.

Ben Thapa: Is Stokes is the new Flintoff? No. Not the same bowler yet: conversely I don't remember Fred playing a knock quite like this.

Eng 513-5

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The England dressing room, to a man, stands and applauds Ben Stokes who raises his bat and, in a shy sort of way, acknowledges the crowd.

Coach Paul Farbrace stands clapping with the proud expression you'd expect from a father figure, Stuart Broad is standing tall and looking as proud as punch while Joe Root giggles like a cheeky schoolboy who's just seen his mate do something very, very special.

Easily one of the best Test match innings of our time. Certainly one of the best by an Englishman.

Lunch

Jonny Bairstow hits Chris Morris through the covers for four. His hundred seems inevitable now.

He'll have to wait until after lunch now though. England march off for some well-earned refreshments. Cake all round.

South Africa? They're going to spend the next 40 minutes staring awkwardly at the dressing room floor and avoiding all eye contact.

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Rex Features

Russ King: Time to declare and let Ben Stokes open the bowling! #bbccricket

Jonny Huntridge: Is Ben Stokes going to open the bowling after he's retired on 305 not out in about half an hour? #bbccricket #benstokes

Benjamin Watts: Wakes up. Checks cricket score. Jaw drops. Take a bow Ben Stokes, what a phenomenal knock. #SAvENG #bbccricket

Stokes (and Bairstow) reminds me of...

Eng 508-5 (This session 24 overs, 191 runs)

The question now is when will England declare? They are so far ahead of the game, they can afford to head for the 600-mark. That, of course, also gives Jonny Bairstow the chance to hit his maiden Test century. It's easy to forget the supporting hand played by the wicketkeeper here, but he's closing in on a personal milestone of his own - two more coming with a poke through the off side.

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 501-5 (Morris 26-3-135-1)

Between overs, South Africa fielders pass Ben Stokes and shake his hand. They realise the enormity of this achivement. They've been pulverised.

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Ashley Paul: Re: Best England innings ever - I see what you're saying but I was always quite fond of a gritty, match-saving Collingwood ton.

Chris Corfield: Ben Stokes will never have world class averages with bat/ball. But he can devastate teams and win matches in the blink of an eye

John M Butt: Looks like we have a decent squad here with England. Leave it alone to gel and let us enjoy the cricket. We have entertainment.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"You've seen something special. You don't get 200s like that very often. Very rare."

Jonathan Agnew

BBC Test Match Special

"What an astonishing innings. This man has played an innings that no-one here will ever forget. They are all standing and applauding something that has been absolutely magnificent."

200 for Ben Stokes (off 163 balls)

Ben Stokes keeps us waiting for his 200. Four dots... and then he hammers Morne Morkel for four. His maiden double-century brings up the team 500. And while the celebration for his 100 was exuberant, he looks a bit more measured when raising his bat and removing his helmet for his 200.

"Have I really just done this?"

Yes, Ben. You have. Hero.

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Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 496-5

Ben Stokes is human! He misses a Chris Morris yorker and is a coat of paint from being bowled. But he's still there. On 198 not out.

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 491-5

Dreading going back to work after Christmas tomorrow?

At least, you're not Chris Morris. He's given another bowl at Ben Stokes, having gone for 68 runs off 46 balls against the left-hander... who gives himself room and smites the first ball of the latest spell for four. Brutal.

Eng 487-5 (Stokes 189 off 152)

Reuters

Ben Stokes has been that good this morning, I reckon the coach will let him get away with having just chocolate cake for his lunch. And he can stay up late watching films tonight. Or have a beer with his tea.

The boy's the new darling of English cricket. Jonny Bairstow, at the non-striker's end, has the best ticket in the house. I'd pay more for that view than tickets to see Take That if Robbie returned (for my wife, of course!).

Just the three from the over.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Whoa! It's mayhem. The game is going very quickly away from South Africa."

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Ben Stokes now has the highest score for an England batsman at Newlands, beating Jack Hobbs' 187 in 1910.

"He also has the highest score by an England number six. The previous best was Graeme Hick's 178 against India in Mumbai in 1986."

Stokes reminds me of...

250 stand up

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"The 250 partnership came up in 226 balls, containing 31 fours and five sixes." 

Eng 484-5 (Stokes 188, Bairstow 83)

That's the 250 partnership off 226 balls, brought up off a no ball. The records keep on coming. South Africa are losing their discipline in a big way.

Kagiso Rabada, as he often does, drops one in short and Ben Stokes rocks back and heaves it into Row Z. In fact, it's out of the ground.

Fetch.

Next.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"The last England player to score 100 runs in a session before lunch was Ian Bell, against Bangladesh at Chester-le-Street in 2005." 

Stokes reminds me of...

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"You have to enjoy this - how can you not? You've got a appreciate this. But it's embarrassing for South Africa."

Eng 471-5 (Stokes 181 off 149)

How will South Africa's batsmen fare this afternoon when they get a chance to bat? They must feel so deflated.

Ben Stokes is showing no sign of slowing down. He's doing 120mph on a race day experience and is loving it.

Dane Piedt is hammered for a four. Then a six. Then another six.

He's scored a century in the session. Wow.

Stokes reminds me of...

Eng 454-5 (Stokes 165, Bairstow 78)

I'll be honest... if you'd have told me I'd be putting pictures of Big Daddy into the live text this morning, I'd have laughed.

Out on the boundary, a group of England players are reluctantly heading for a net session with Otis Gibson." Come on gaffer, let us just sit and watch Stokesey."

Nothing is going South Africa's way as Jonny Bairstow edges down to third man.

View from the press box

Stokes reminds me of...

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Everyone is witnessing something special. They are rare occasions and Stokes is producing some superb strokeplay."

Eng 446-5

Ben Stokes is scoring runs with outrageous ease now... sitting back in his crease and launching the poor off-spinner Dane Piedt over wide long-off. Huuuggge.

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Earlier we stated that Ben Stokes was performing like England's very own Russell Crowe in Gladiator. Now, it's your turn...

Eng 440-5 (Stokes 155, Bairstow 75)

I don't think I'm being swept up in the morning when I say this is one of the best innings I've seen from an England batsman in my lifetime. In terms of attacking innings, it's up there with those of KP at The Oval, Mumbai etc.

Jonny Bairstow is racing towards three figures too, rolling his wrists on a short one to pull the ball to the fence. There's been a couple of plays and misses too, but we'll let him off for those.

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It's been both gut-wrenching and electric to watch. It doesn't look like there's been a plan for South Africa this morning. Pressure has been transferred by the way Bairstow and Stokes have played. It's been savage and South Africa need to find a plan that will work for them. How do you tighten things up and get wickets?"

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How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"It's the fastest 150 for England, beating Marcus Trescothick's 146 balls against Bangladesh in 2005 at Chester-le-Street. Ben Stokes is the first number six to make 150 in a Test for England."

Eng 432-5 (Stokes 154, Bairstow 69)

No more boundaries for the rest of the over. Just the five runs from the remaining five balls. How boring.

Graeme Smith

Ex-South Africa captain on BBC Test Match Special

"Stokes has been electric all round the ground. Do you think he is looking for the double hundred before lunch?"

Stokes 150

Stokes goes to his 150 - and in some style, dancing down the pitch and drilling Piedt over long-on for his third six. Woweee! Another landmark: that's the 200 partnership for the sixth wicket. Amazing. Simply amazing.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

Getty Images

"Ben Stokes this morning has made 72 off 41 balls."

Drinks - Eng 420-5 (Rabada 23-2-96-3)

The England fans are in fine voice... but then they are watching their boys annihilate South Africa. In the sun. At one of the most beautiful cricket ground in the world. And they're drinking beer.

What's not to like?

And it's time drinks for the players too.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"This is the least intimidating South African set up I've witnessed. Yes it's inexperienced, but looking at presence of leadership - coach and captain. I remember Graeme Smith and Gary Kirsten, you looked at warm-ups and thought 'we're in for a right battle here' - I've not seen that, it just seems very friendly, and you don't expect this from South Africa."

Eng 413-5 (Stokes 145, Bairstow 63)

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Off-spinner Dane Piedt cannot stem the haemorrhage of runs. Eleven more runs added to the score, thanks in main to those Stokes boundaries at the beginning of the over. 

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Steve T Davies: Ben Stokes. Positivity, aggression and the will to win. Brilliant.

Francis Edwards: South Africa missing their two main seamers makes me wonder what our attack would be like with Finn, Woakes and Jordan...  

Eng 411-5

Ben Stokes' Test batting average has sailed above 30 with this innings, and he's still plundering the runs... first with a reverse-sweep for four and then with a six over long-off.

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Totum: Terrific if you are an English fan. Terrifying if you are South African.

Richard Mellor: Gasp. Highest Test score for Ben Stokes, and sheer, Flintoff-esque brutality. Such a joy to be on the right side of..

Eng 401-5 (54 fours, two sixes)

AP

-------------------------------

Dear Dale

Best wishes in your recovery from injury. We're all missing you at work. Hopefully see you in Johannesburg.

Morne and the boys

---------------------------------

England add another 10 runs, helped by Jonny Bairstow's straight drive for four and then cut through point. Easy peasy.

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Patrick Smith: Looks like the BBC website is down again. A whole over and the score didn't change in the cricket. And what's a 'maiden'?

Ant Man: Best hour of cricket I've seen for a long time. Reminiscent of what Lance Klusener has done to us in the past.

Neil Manthorp

BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"It's been X-rated stuff. I think South African listeners need an age restriction to endure this. It's been an abuse of the bowlers by Stokes and Bairstow. It was embarrassing to be honest."

Where Stokes has scored his runs

Opta

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Anand Sangha: Jonny Bairstow doing a stellar job here. He could try to biff it like Stokes, yet he is acting as a perfect foil for Stokes, which is great to see.

Andrew Bowan, Chester: I was predicting Stokes wouldn't add much to his overnight score. But crash, bang, wallop and I'm eating my words.

Eng 391-5 (run-rate 4.03)

This feels like a seismic morning for South Africa. If they go on to lose this Test, and go 2-0 down in the series, we may see Hashim Amla stepping aside as captain. He's had a mare in this match.

His team have got some kind of grip for now, limiting England to ones and twos but it's like putting a plaster on a wound which needs stitches. Only wickets will stem the flow of Proteas blood.

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"South Africa lost this match last night when the second new ball came. England were 223-5 and the game was on a knife edge. It needed strong leadership and good captaincy.

"You've got to give everything, put the slips in place and get the catch. What happened? Stokes attacked them and, in terms of a mindset, England are positive and aggressive. South Africa are negative."

Eng 387-5 (Stokes 131, Bairstow 52)

Morne Morkel delivers a maiden to Jonny Bairstow. Light relief for the wilting Proteas.

'He can hit it wherever he wants'

Michael Vaughan

Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

Reuters

"When Stokes arrived at the wicket yesterday, you just saw that he was in sync, he was in rhythm.

"Bairstow is just playing the quiet role. I've just been stood behind the bowler, it's been incredible, he can hit it wherever he wants."

'Nowhere to hide for Amla'

Former South Africa spinner Pat Symcox has his say...

Eng 387-5 (run-rate 4.06)

Imagine what those rich owners in the Indian Premier League are doing now. I like to think they're sat with their cat on their knee, quaffing truffles and phoning their fixer.

'Get me that Stokes now. For one million dollars.'

More runs. Again Kagiso Rabada drops short and again Ben Stokes rocks back and clubs four through mid-wicket like a caveman knocking the living daylights out of a walrus.

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Neale Pye: Do you think the SA players said something derogatory about red headed cricketers recently?

Lewis Squires: So when does the Test match series start then?..

Eng 381-5 (Stokes 126, Bairstow 51)

Hashim Amla has still got two slips in place for Jonny Bairstow. They're about as much use as a chocolate fireguard when the bowlers are sending down pies.

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AxminsterTownCC: Not many better centuries on tour in my lifetime. Brilliant from Stokes.

A Tweeter: Smiting, a word not used nearly enough. Maybe that should be his nickname a-la darts - Ben 'The Smiter' Stokes!  

Eng 377-5

Rex Features

I'm running out of superlatives to describe Ben Stokes, who muscles Kagiso Rabada's short ball to the boundary wide of mid-on.

The Russell Crowe of English cricket. An absolute gladiator.

Is there anything this lad can't do? I sense some Stokes memes here. Send them in using #bbccricket or email [e-mail].

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"The fifth time Bairstow has played against South Africa, the fourth time he has got to 50. It has taken just 28 balls for the partnership to go from 100 to 150."

50 for Jonny Bairstow (off 69 balls)

Another fifty for Jonny Bairstow, who is merrily bobbing along in Ben Stokes' slipstream. He averages 80 against South Africa (three Tests). Not bad for a number seven.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

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"They don't seem to be able to bowl two balls in the same place. They are inexperienced and it's showing. The immaturity is coming in."

'Box-office Stokes'

Eng 367-5 (last 10 overs: 76-0)

The best thing about this sustained assault from Ben Stokes? He's played proper cricket shots and toyed with the field like a cat pawing a mouse. When Morne Morkel pitches the ball up, Stokes belts four back over mid-off. Carnage.

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Ian Bradley: Last day of Christmas break and last lie in happily sacrificed to see Stokes pillage a century, brutal.

Rob Meech: I don't think the 'nervous 90s' really applies to Ben Stokes!

Mike Brookes: Ben Stokes. Take a bow! That is top top quality!

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"There have been 45 runs in four overs this morning. Chris Morris since the new ball has gone for 61 runs in six overs."

Eng 362-5 (Stokes 109, Bairstow 49)

This is gladiatorial from Ben Stokes, who celebrated his three figures by removing his helmet, raising his bat and milking the applause. The South Africans are putty in his hand. He hits Chris Morris for two more fours, helped, it must be said, by some pretty dreadful fielding.

The Proteas are meekly surrendering here.

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

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"Top innings, last night and this morning. I clapped. Everyone stood up and applauded. Terrific innings. He's took the game by the scruff of the neck. England were not really ahead when he came in, but he's played superbly, and the momentum is now with England."

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"Third Test hundred for Stokes from 105 balls with 16 fours and a six. His last 50 came from just 35 balls." 

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Superb innings. Took the game by the scruff of the neck. And he can bowl as well!"

100 for Ben Stokes (off 105 balls)

Ben Stokes is lighting up Test cricket here. People will soon stop talking about middle to lower order batsmen 'doing a Gilchrist' and instead refer to 'a Stokes-like innings'. England's strapping all-rounder has taken the game away from South Africa with the calculated ruthlessness of a mafia hit man. He brings up three figures with a three. Soak up the applause, young man.

How's stat?!

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

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"A record sixth-wicket partnership for England against South Africa at Newlands, breaking the 117 between Mike Smith and Jim Parks."

Eng 349-5

South Africa are almost grateful to have Jonny Bairstow on strike. But the relief is temporary as Morne Morkel bowls a filthy half-tracker and is pulled for four.

And again... this time a straight drive to the boundary.

Big Bash? Give me this any day of the week.

'It's like a benefit match'

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Rex Features

"That's a rubbish ball - it's so wide I could have hit that with my Mum's sweeping brush. It's like a benefit match."

Eng 341-5 (Stokes 97 off 104)

Ben Stokes is like a rampaging bull which has been well rested, fed and watered and ready to unleash carnage again. He's motoring towards three figures here... smiting another boundary backward of point. I've not had my cornflakes yet and England have added 24 runs. In 12 balls.

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James Thomas: Worth getting up early on Sunday to see @benstokes38 smash the ball about.

Eng 335-5

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Hang on... I just need to adjust my television set. I think it's still showing last night's highlights.

Nope, it's OK. Ben Stokes smashes Chris Morris for back to back fours.

Fireworks at 8.30am. Nice.

100 partnership up

Andrew Samson

BBC Test Match Special statistician

"The hundred partnership came up in 120 balls, containing 16 fours. It's the first century partnership between Stokes and Bairstow pair in Test cricket."

Eng 327-5 (Stokes 83, Bairstow 40)

Muddled thinking from Morne Morkel. The big fast bowler begins round the wicket to Ben Stokes, abandons the plan after one ball and then his first delivery over the wicket is smeared through the covers for four. The first over of the day is not yet complete and Plans A & B appear to be out of the window.

And again... another four through the off side. Stokes is wasting no time here.

Eng 318-5

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Let's play. Morne Morkel cranks himself up for the first ball of the day and is worked through mid-wicket for a single by Jonny Bairstow. England up and running.

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Rt.Rev.Liam Reilly: I'll be excited about Ben Stokes when he performs consistently. Too quick to go off the boil with bat and ball.

Terry Mahoney: Let's not get too carried away. While stats aren't everything, great batsmen don't have a Test batting average of 29. 

'South Africa lost the plot'

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

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"The game got away from South Africa. It topped off a day when I thought South Africa bowlers had done very, very well. There's little movement. 220-5 gave them the impression that if we nick a couple away before close of play, but England took advantage.

"You have a chance for either side to grab the initiative, sense those moments, nip and tuck, ebb and flow through a Test match, then that moment comes. Who's going to grab it? England grabbed it. South Africa didn't - they lost the plot."

Cricket feels unimportant on days like today, but play is about to get under way in Cape Town. Can England ram home their advantage? Let's find out.

Ryan Sidebottom is one of many to have tweeted about their sadness. The cricket world is mourning and, as we just mentioned, the England team will be wearing black armbands today.

Sussex's Hobden dies aged 22

Sussex's Hobden dies aged 22

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Some sad news to bring you from the cricket world: Sussex seamer Matthew Hobden has died at the age of 22.

In a statement, the club said it was "deeply shocked and saddened". The cause of death has not been given.

Hobden made his first-class debut for Sussex in 2014, and took 23 wickets at an average of 47 in County Championship Division One.

England lead fast bowling coach Kevin Shine said: "His potential was huge. He was improving rapidly and I'm certain that he would have played for England."

The England players will wear black armbands today in Cape Town as a mark of respect.

Read more here

Geoffrey Boycott

Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"It was a wonderful final session for England last night, 150 runs really hurts you as a bowling side. As soon as the new ball was used Ben Stokes started to spread the field, it was psychologically damaging for the bowler, and this helped England."

Listen to TMS via the top of this page or on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Live text bingo alert

Before I go any further, let me remind you of the scores on the doors.

England will resume the second day on 317-5, hoping to bat South Africa out of the game. Ben Stokes is 74 not out and the equally impressive Jonny Bairstow is unbeaten on 39.

I'm not going to say the first session is crucial, but...

A special player

Of course, Ben Stokes might also be out to the first ball of the day and finish with bowling figures of 0-50... but that's the beauty of cricket.

Here's a man capable of special things. Anyone worried about the future of cricket should sit a youngster down and play them a tape of Stokes taking on the new ball last night.

South Africa had waited an hour for it - believing it to be the holy grail which would see them polish off England - but when it came, Stokes whacked Chris Morris for 17 in one over.

Like I said... special.

All about the Stokes

Good morning everyone!

Welcome to day two of the Ben Stokes show.

What's on the menu today? Maybe a century, maybe a five-wicket haul.

The ability is there... let's see what unfolds.

The future of English cricket

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Better than Beefy? Not yet.

The next Freddie? Most definitely.