STOKES SECOND TEST

Figures for Test tons as puts England in control

originally due to begin as a new fast-paced, big-hitting, shorter short-format competition, Stokes should conjure up the most old fashioned of Test performances.

He displayed patience, application and a determination not to waste a good start, something he could be accused of in both innings in Southampton.

Here he was as watchful as in the early stages of his Headingley masterpiece last summer, when he was two not out overnight from 50 balls.

But just as on the following day in Leeds, Stokes started to open his shoulders and play the sort of shots only the very best of batsmen can produce.

One straight drive over long on for six off Alzarri Joseph was so sweetly timed and so dismissive it appeared to break the bowler in spirit and he soon left the field a forlorn figure. It was actually an arm injury that forced him off, but Stokes was in the mood and his third 50 came off 46 balls.

Sibley (below) tried to follow suit but could only hole out to Kemar Roach as one of Roston Chase’s five victims.

Jos Buttler gathered a promising

40 and spinner

Dom Bess 31 not out, but his work on a turning pitch is yet to come. opening round, the five-times Memorial champion could only put together a round that included three birdies, five bogeys and a doublebogey.

Woods, who started on the back nine, was six over on the day when he reached the par-five seventh hole where he mounted a late charge by making two consecutive birdies. But at the final hole he settled for par after sending his tee shot way right.

Tony Finau (69) overcame two early bogeys with five birdies, including one at his final hole, to move into a share of the clubhouse lead with fellow American Ryan Palmer (68).

Spain’s world number two Jon Rahm (above) offset a bogey at his penultimate hole with a closing birdie for a 67 to sit one shot off the early pace, while US Open champion Gary Woodland (70) and Chez Reavie (67) were a further two shots adrift.

Victory for Rahm this weekend could see him lead the world rankings. Playing alongside Woods, world No.1 Rory Mcilroy shot a level-par 72 to stay two under.

BEN STOKES showed his ruthless side on the field with a brilliant hundred – before showing how much he cares with his support for Jofra Archer. Stokes put the Windies bowlers to the sword with 176, as he combined with fellow ton-up hero Dominic Sibley, in a partnership of 260 out of England’s 469-9 declared. But with bio-secure bubble burster Archer (with Stokes during the first Test, above) overlooking the ground in isolation, the vicecaptain spoke from experience when he said how important it was to look after his team-mate. “From us as players, and as an England group, we really need to be there to support Jofra right now because he is a big talking point,” said Stokes. “The worst thing we could do as a team is leave him, see him in five or six days, and say ‘All right’ – times like these for people are very, very tough. “You can feel like you are all by yourself, but nobody is going to allow that to happen – Jofra is a massive part of this group. “It is good being there when things are going well, but what matters is how you operate when someone needs you the most.” Stokes continued his fine form with the bat, playing patiently before moving through the gears. “It is just hunger, desire and always wanting to get better,” he added. “I feel like I’m at an age and experience level now where I understand my game pretty much all the time. “It is about being as clinical as possible and being the man to make it count if you’re out there.”