England all-rounder Ben Stokes marked the new year with a brilliant 258 for England in the second Test against South Africa at Cape Town. Stokes brought up his double century off just 168 balls, which is the second quickest in Tests and the quickest by an English player. Stokes’ 258 came off, just 198 deliveries, with 30 fours and 11 sixes punctuating his innings. 258 is also the highest score by a batsman at No. 6. His 399-run stsnd for the sixth wicket with wicketkeeper Jonathan Bairstow is the highest in Tests. Stokes’ heroics helped England finish at 629 for 6, which is the second highest score at Newlands. Stokes also picked up the wicket of South Africa opener Dean Elgar in the first innings. Full Cricket Scorecard: South Africa vs England, 2nd Test at Cape Town
South Africa too batted incredibly well as they declared two runs short of England’s total to perhaps try and force a result. Hashim Amla was the star of the show s he scored a brilliant 201. Temba Bavuma too scored an unbeaten ton, which made hi the first black player to score a century for South Africa. Stokes in the second innings managed to score only 28 as England were reduced to 159 for 6 at stumps on the final day. READ: Ben Stokes better player than what I was at age 24: Ian Botham
The match marked the last time Amla took charge for South Africa as he made the announcement right after the match. AB de Villiers will lead the Proteas for the remaining tow Tests in the series and in all likelihood, he will get be appointed permanent captain as well. Amla in the Tests he has led South Africa, has managed to win only four. England lead the current series 1 -0, courtesy of their emphatic 241-run win in the first Test at Durban. READ: Trevor Bayliss: Ben Stokes can score another 258