Ben Stokes stands firm for England after Alastair Cook exit

Ben Stokes took the attack to South Africa after Alastair Cook fell in sight of a hundred on the second day of the third Test at The Oval yesterday. England was 269 for six at lunch, with Stokes 64 not out and Moeen Ali unbeaten on 10

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes took the attack to South Africa after Alastair Cook fell in sight of a hundred on the second day of the third Test at The Oval yesterday. England was 269 for six at lunch, with Stokes 64 not out and Moeen Ali unbeaten on 10.

Stokes shared stands of 63 and 75 with Cook and Jonny Bairstow respectively as England capitalised on Vernon Philander's prolonged absence during another overcast morning that should have suited the key paceman.

Stokes, in the 100th Test at The Oval, got the balance right yesterday morning, the all-rounder aggressive against the old ball and watchful when the new one arrived. England resumed on 171 for four, with Cook 82 not out and Stokes 21 not out. Cook, however, had added just six runs to his score.

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