Ben Stokes Leads England To Historic 2nd Test Win Over South Africa
England forced a dramatic and historic 189-run victory over South Africa late on day five of the second Test in Cape Town to level the series at 1-1. Man of the match Ben Stokes claimed the three wickets needed in the final hour to cap a stunning all-round performance.
Stokes refused to accept his man of the match award following the win over South Africa, instead believing Dominic Sibley should have been given the honour.
Stokes was England’s hero on the final two days, scoring a quickfire 72 before taking the final three wickets as England won a nail-biter.
He removed Dwaine Pretorius and Anrich Nortje in consecutive balls before dismissing Vernon Philander to secure the win with just 8.2 overs remaining.
Stokes also took six catches during the match as well as scoring 47 in the first innings.
“I thought Dom put all the hard yards in. He should be the one up here. He’s the man of the match, full credit to him. We have three members of the group who are 21. The future looks great for us. We showed an outstanding amount of character.” said Stokes.
It was indeed a historic day for the two cricket adversaries with South Africa bidding to chase a record 438 Test cricket run victory whilst England by claiming victory claimed their first victory in Cape Town since 1957.
The third Test of the four-match series starts in Port Elizabeth on 16 January.
By Gerald Dandah
