Dean Elgar-led South Africa have taken control of the proceedings after extending their lead to 124 on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test against England at Lord’s in London.
The Englishmen were bundled out for a mere 165 in the first innings, courtesy of an outstanding bowling exhibition by Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada. The right-armer picked up a five-wicket haul. In reply, South Africa batters sizzled to take their side to 289/7 at stumps with Marco Jansen and Rabada in the middle.
However, England captain Ben Stokes stood tall against South Africa’s batting unit as he bowled a fiery spell, featuring a barrage of bouncers that helped him return with three wickets, including a prized scalp of opener Sarel Erwee.
Erwee was the highest run-scorer for the tourist and cruising on to a triple-figure score before being bamboozled by a vicious delivery from Stokes.
It all happened in the 55th over when Stokes came round the wicket and bowled a chin-crushing bumper that left Erwee absolutely clueless as he had no answer on how to deal with such a ripper. Erwee could not avoid the brute of delivery even after jumping. He tried to fend off the ball but ended up giving a simple catch to wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.
Here is the video:
Fast and furious! 🔥
Live clips: https://t.co/2nFwGblL1E
🏴 #ENGvSA 🇿🇦 | #RedforRuth pic.twitter.com/8Z6vtEgPDV
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 18, 2022
Apart from Erwee, who scored 73 off 146 balls, Stokes also removed Rassie van der Dussen (19) and Keshav Maharaj (41) to complete his three wickets.
After the match, Rabada, who claimed the 5-fer to feature on the Lord’s honours board, said it was his childhood dream.
“It’s basically a childhood dream to be up on the Lord’s honours board. I remember getting a four-for here in a one-day international and just missed it, so I’m glad I could go over the line, especially in Test cricket,” said Rabada while speaking to BBC Sport.
