England fought back strongly in the evening session after centuries from Hashim Amla and debutant Stephen Cook handed South Africa the early initiative on day one of the fourth and final Test at Centurion.
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Joe Root’s brilliant ton and Stokes’ half-century helped England take a 10-run lead in the first innings. Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock are well placed to do so, having reached stumps on 32 and 25 respectively.
South Africa captain AB de Villiers said England are not unbeatable as the Proteas eye a consolation victory in the fourth Test.
Jimmy Cook, who was in the crowd on Friday, had to wait until the age of 39 to make his official Test debut after being a prolific scorer for South Africa in 19 unofficial “rebel” Tests during South Africa s political isolation, including a hundred on debut against an English team in 1981/82.
“We’ve got the opportunity to do that and I’m really looking forward to this week to see how people respond”.
Cook, who had played 155 first-class matches before being selected, added: “As time went on I knew it was getting less likely that I would make my debut but I never gave up hope”.
It was a day of ups and downs for both sides, though, with England’s new ball bowlers not really delivering the goods, while South Africa’s middle order stuttered once more.
His father Jimmy suffered a golden duck on his own Test debut in 1992, but history did not repeat itself as the opener flicked a gentle loosener from James Anderson to the boundary.
Ali struck in his first over, thanks to James Taylor continuing his incredible work at short-leg, redefining what is possible in that unpopular position. He was eventually bowled after an innings of 187 balls when he got an inside edge to a delivery from Chris Woakes.
JP Duminy was Moeen Ali’s second wicket, trapped lbw for 16 – the last wicket of the day as England checked South Africa’s progress after they had look poised for a huge total on 237 for one.
“I thought I’ve waited so long for this chance that if I have to stay in the 90s for another hour then I can wait”, said Cook, who shared a special hug with his dad at the end of the day between interviews.
England go into Friday’s clash at SuperSport Park 2-0 up in the series.
England, as expected, recalled Chris Woakes in place of the injured Steven Finn, while South Africa made five changes to the side that surrendered the series in Johannesburg.
De Villiers confirmed that specialist opening batsman Stephen Cook would be in the South Africa team and also hinted that steady seamer Kyle Abbott and off-spinner Dane Piedt would come back into the side.
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The way Cook and Amla applied themselves during the first two sessions suggests the pitch is ideal for batting.
