Cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the Asia Cup to start as Sri Lanka kick off the tournament against the Afghans. The big game on Sunday will witness India and Pakistan lock horns in a huge game. With all the excitement around, one cannot forget South Africa and England’s test series battles. South Africa have walked into the 2nd test at Manchester armed with a 1-0 lead. The visitors had won the first test at Lords withing 3 days to shock the high flying English team.
James Anderson magic at Manchester –
Playing his 174th test for England, the 40 year old became the first ever player to play 100 home tests. He also had the distinction of picking a wicket from his own end with the ball during the 1st Innings. During the 2nd innings of the South African turn to bat, Anderson was in full flow with the ball. The 40 year old was seen swinging the ball and cutting Dean Elgar in half. The 13th over saw, Anderson get one to curve into Elgar, and followed it up by one leaving him. The South African skipper had no clue to a ball which came in and knocked his off pole.
James Anderson is an artist with ball. pic.twitter.com/jwgYdX4Ttc
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 27, 2022
Ben Stokes and Foakes centuries flatten South Africa –
After getting South Africa bowled out for 151, the English team were in trouble at 147 for 5. Alex Lees was out for 4, while Crawley and Pope scored 38 and 23 with both falling to Nortje. Root continued his surprising bad form with a score of 9, while Bairstow scored 49. That’s when Foakes and Stokes joined forces for a 173 run stand. Both the batters were contrasting in their batting, while Stokes was flambouyant, Foakes was circumspect.
Twin centuries help England take a huge lead –
Ben Stokes who took over the test captaincy earlier this season, scored his 1st test ton as the test skipper as he scored his 12th test century. Foakes who has been struggling with fitness issues was back to his best with the bat as he scored his 2nd test century. England ended with a huge lead of 264.
At the time of writing, South Africa had lost 2 wickets for 43 runs with Elgar out for 11 and Erwee falling for 25.