England v South Africa LIVE: Cricket result and scorecard as England win second Test at Old Trafford
England are looking to build on a strong start to this Test match and level the three-match series with the Proteas
Ben Stokes produced the crucial double strike to set England on course for a three-day thrashing of South Africa at Old Trafford.
England romped home in the second Test by an innings and 85 runs - an even bigger margin than the one they lost by in similarly crushing fashion last week at Lord’s - as they flattened the tourists for 179. And it was captain Stokes who once again proved his inspirational all-round qualities, following up his fine century on day two with a long spell of bloody-minded brilliance with ball in hand.
Fourth-wicket pair Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen had successfully sucked the heat out of England after a strong start from the hosts, blocking their way in a determined stand of 87 in 261 balls.
With inspiration in short supply it fell to Stokes to break their will as he removed the pair in successive overs at the start of the evening session. His decisive moment came in the middle of a draining 14-over stint either side of the tea break, as flogged himself for the cause and came up trumps. With his work done he tossed the new ball to James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, who finished things off in a blaze of glory by taking the last five wickets for just seven runs in the space of just 30 deliveries.
Follow all the latest score updates and live commentary from Old Trafford below.
South Africa 163-5 (74); K Verreynne 12, S Harmer 9 - SA trail by 101
There are six overs to go until the new ball so Ben Stokes will continue until then to keep James Anderson and Ollie Robinson fresh for that attack.
Stokes is into his 11th consecutive over (either side of tea) and his two wickets have reignited the match. Kyle Verreynne flicks the ball into the leg-side and takes one off the second ball of the over.
Simon Harmer then sees it out without too much trouble.
South Africa 162-5 (73); K Verreynne 11, S Harmer 9 - SA trail by 102
Broad still running in and generally pitching the ball back of a length. Harmer getting on the back foot and defending well.
A maiden for England to maintain the pressure.
South Africa 162-5 (72); K Verreynne 11, S Harmer 9 - SA trail by 102
Stokes still really fancies this. Getting the ball to zip through the air and off the surface. Good response by Harmer though as he opens the face to steer the ball through the slip cordon for FOUR runs.
Single off the final ball of the over to finish things off.
WATCH: Stokes gets his second wicket
Here’s how Ben Stokes took his second wicket - removing Keegan Petersen
South Africa 157-5 (71); K Verreynne 11, S Harmer 4 - SA trail by 107
This ball is moving about, so it’s Leach off and Stuart Broad on for England. Good call, I think.
One delivery stays low and it’s an EDGE for Verreynne but drops short of the slip cordon. Well-taken on the bounce by a diving Foakes in fact. Maiden over in the end but England are well on top here.
South Africa 157-5 (70); K Verreynne 11, S Harmer 4 - SA trail by 107
Stokes was briefly off the field for that last over but he’s back on now to bowl. A back-foot single from the first ball by Verreynne but nothing else. Final delivery is a beauty by Stokes, cutting Harmer in half but can’t get anything on it as it goes through to the keeper.
South Africa 156-5 (69); K Verreynne 10, S Harmer 4 - SA trail by 108
Harmer flicks Leach off his legs for three. Nice shot and something Petersen was refusing to do, hit to the leg side.
Big APPEAL off the final ball of the over, as the ball turns and beats the bat outside off, getting caught in close. England briefly consider a review but there’s no bat involved.
South Africa 152-5 (68); K Verreynne 9, S Harmer 1 - SA trail by 112
What a post-tea spell from Ben Stokes! He’s made the double breakthrough and turned this match on its head. Simon Harmer the next man in and the South African tail is in sight now.
Single from Harmer to end the over. They still trail by 112 runs
OUT! Keegan Petersen ct Foakes b Stokes 42 (159); South Africa 151-5 (67.3)
WICKET! Like London (or Manchester) busses! As soon as that long partnership was broken, England get another and it’s Stokes again. An absolute jaffa as it climbs into Petersen’s gloves, there’s nothing he can do, it comes off bat/gloves and Ben Foakes takes it well behind the stumps.
A snorter from the England skipper!
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