The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Roland-Jones and Stokes put England on top
Day two of Toby Roland-Jones’ England debut was a success as he ran through South Africa’s top order in the third Investec Test at The Oval.
Roland-Jones counted Hashim Amla, the tourists’ national record-holder for his unbeaten triple-century on this same ground five years ago, Quinton de Kock and both openers as his victims in his maiden Test match spell.
Alastair Cook was able to add only six to his overnight score before falling to the 200th delivery he faced.
He was dismissed by Morne Morkel (three for 70), for the 10th time in his career, lbw from round the wicket after the opener went to DRS only to discover the umpire’s initial decision was marginally confirmed.
After Ben Stokes (112) had grafted, and finally smashed, his way to a richlydeserved century in England’s 353 all out, Roland-Jones (four for 39) put South Africa in big trouble on day two.
They collapsed to 61 for seven before recovering to 126 for eight at stumps to give themselves a chance of passing the follow-on target today – especially if absent all-rounder Vernon Philander is back from an overnight stay in hospital on a drip, as he tries to recover from his mystery stomach upset.
Philander may also yet prove a major second-innings threat with the ball if the heavy cloud cover of the first two days persists over the weekend.
Roland-Jones certainly made the most of favourable conditions as his hopes of a debut performance to remember came true, at the age of 29.
“I suppose this is the moment that every young kid dreams of, representing their country - and I’m no different,” said the Middlesex seamer.
Philander’s absence has been a help to England, and it may be a long shot that he is back to try to eke out another 28 runs to save the follow-on.
A South Africa spokesman said: “He is going to spend the evening in hospital. He is on a drip at the moment.
“The doctors think it might be a viral infection, and we will only know tomorrow whether he can take any part in play.”