On this day, in 2016, England all-rounder Ben Stokes and wicket-keeper batsman galloped into the history books during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. The visitors posted a whopping 629/6 and it was mainly due to innings from Ben Stokes (258) and Jonny Bairstow (150*).
On a pitch that helped score strokes, the batsmen rejoiced and the match ended in a draw, but the match will always be remembered for the contributions of Stokes and Bairstow.
Both the players added 399 runs for the sixth wicket and set a new world record. They surpassed the previous record held by the New Zealand pair of Kane Williamson and BJ Watling – who added 365 runs for the sixth wicket against Sri Lanka in 2015. Apart from this record, the 399-run stand between Stokes and Bairstow remains the second highest partnership. Ever for England in Tests.
During this innings, Stokes scored 200 runs in just 163 balls and he managed to finish second in the list of fastest double centuries, breaking the record held by Virender Sehwag (168). As far as the numbers are concerned, Nathan Astle continues to be at the top as he completed a double century against England in 2001 in just 153 balls.
Stokes was adjudged man of the match for his brilliant performance with the bat. Speaking at the end of the match, he said, “When I started going we had a good score on the board so I thought getting out here wouldn’t be the worst thing. I just went for my shots and it went.”
In reply to England’s score of 629/6, South Africa scored 627 runs in their attempt and the match eventually ended in a draw.
South Africa did not have the services of Dale Steyn, Kyle Abbott and Vernon Philander and this is where the England pair roasted and enjoyed in the scorching sun.
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