England 317-5 after 1st day of 2nd test in South Africa

Ben Stokes' counterattacking half-century put England on top at 317-5 against South Africa at stumps on the first day of the second test yesterday.

Stokes made a rapid 74 not out with 11 fours and a six — and England racked up 150 in the final session — to ensure the tourists ultimately had a good opening day at Newlands.

"Yeah, it was a great finish for us," England batsman Alex Hales said.

After winning the toss and batting on a good strip, England continued to turn the screw on top-ranked South Africa following a 241-run win in the first test.

Stokes was one of three batsmen to make a half-century on Saturday, as the top and middle order put together damaging partnerships.

South Africa briefly had an opportunity to take control after young fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took two wickets in two balls in his 3-74. England made a solid start, and was 167-2 when Rabada removed Nick Compton and James Taylor in successive deliveries either side of tea.

But that South African revival was short-lived, and England got back on top as Stokes and Jonny Bairstow built an unbeaten 94run partnership for the sixth wicket. Stokes was especially aggressive, taking on anything short and wide for a flurry of boundaries in the last session.

"When he gets going like that, it's brilliant viewing for the whole ground," Hales said. "It really is exhilarating viewing."

A victory for England at Newlands would ensure it can't lose the four-match series, and put it on course for a first series win over South Africa in 11 years.

"They played shots, they executed," Rabada said of the StokesBairstow stand. "Tomorrow we're going to have to be tight and knock them over quickly."

England's batting performance was solid throughout: Alastair Cook and Hales shared a 55-run opening partnership, with Hales going on to score 60 for his maiden test half-century. Nick Compton was typically patient for his 45, and put on 74 with Hales. Joe Root made 50 to put England in decent shape before Stokes and Bairstow made sure the visiting team was in great position by the close.

With Stokes clubbing pulls and cut shots to see England surge away in the late afternoon, Bairstow provided good support with his 39 not out.

England gave South Africa just a brief glimpse of a chance to make serious inroads when Compton went for a pull shot off Rabada just before tea and hit it straight to Temba Bavuma at midwicket. Rabada then had James Taylor caught behind on the first ball after the tea break for 167-4. Standing in for injured strike bowler Dale Steyn, the 20year-old Rabada was the one bright light for the Proteas.

Following an impressive win in Durban, England was further boosted by the return to fitness of fast bowler and leading wickettaker James Anderson, who was recalled for the Cape Town test.

A series victory for England will knock South Africa off the top of the test rankings.