Published 23:09 IST, January 7th 2020
Ben Stokes against 4-day Test idea, cites nail-biting 2nd Test victory as example
Soon after England defeated South Africa, in a nail-biting 5th-day finish, Ben Stokes cited that this is why the format of Tests should not be tinkered
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Soon after England defeated South Africa, in a nail-biting 5th-day finish, all-rounder Ben Stokes cited that this is why format of Tests should t be tinkered. With almost over a day to go in match, South Africa needed 439 runs to win second Test. However, as Stokes got into beast mode, Proteas found it difficult to keep hold of ir wickets let alone chasing target.
'We will remember this for long'
Ben Stokes, who bagged three wickets including that of resilient Quinton de Kock, was also awarded as Player of Match. In post-match presentation, Stokes remarked, "That is why five days cricket should always be around. It is best format of game. Games like se are unforgettable. We will remember this for long and so will South Africa."
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Furrmore, Stokes said, "I think I came at situations where exactly it wasn't do or die really. We have got three members in this group who are 21 years old and had to step at biggest st. Sam Curran, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope. y showed how good y are. future looks great for us."
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England pace attack overpowers Proteas batsmen
Kagiso Rabada and company put England under tremendous pressure in first innings as English were bundled up for a mere 269. Dean Elgar put on a stunning display of batting but unfortunately missed out on a deserving century as Proteas were bowled out for 223. English batsmen n came strong at South Africa as debutant Dominic Sibley tched up his maiden century.
Skipper Joe Root also scored a half-century while Ben Stokes' fiery 72 helped England post a target of 439. With just a day to go, South Africa looked to draw match instead of chasing total. However, resilient fights from Pieter Malan and Quinton de Kock weren't eugh in front of English pace attack. As a result, England won match by 189 runs and levelled series 1-1.
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23:09 IST, January 7th 2020