Centuries from Pope and Stokes put England in control in third Test match

England firmly in charge in third Test

Ollie Pope’s maiden Test century and another from the bat of the irrepressible Ben Stokes put England firmly in charge against South Africa on a dominant second day in Port Elizabeth yesterday.

The tourists declared on 499 for nine and closed having reduced the Proteas to 60 for two, a commanding position built around two brilliant knocks from men at different stages of their journeys.

Pope announced himself as a worthy recipient of the “next big thing” tag he has been handed with an unbeaten 135 in just his ninth Test innings, while Stokes’ 120 continued a remarkable sequence of performances that saw him crowned world player of the year this week.

The pair shared a stand of 203 for the fifth wicket, coming together on the previous evening at 148 for four and shaping the game together.

South Africa lost Pieter Malan and

Zubayr Hamza to Dom Bess’ off-spin in just over an hour’s play before stumps.

Rain interruptions at both ends of the day saw eight overs lost and further bad weather now seems the likeliest reason to bet against England taking a 2-1 lead.

South Africa’s prospects in the decider have already taken a considerable hit, with strike bowler Kagiso Rabada banned as a result of the overzealous send-off that followed his day-one dismissal of Joe Root.

Pope reflected on his “special” maiden century.

Speaking afterwards on Sky Sports, the 22-year-old said: “It was amazing.

“When the ball went over the boundary, it was a pretty special moment.”

Pope hopes to build on his impressive performance.

“I have hit a couple of fifties, which at the time I was really happy with,” he said on Sky Sports.

“So to now get that (100) under your belt going forward, it is really nice to have. It is a good benchmark going forward and hopefully I can get some more.”

Ollie Pope is proving to be worth his billing as the next big thing in English cricket.