Day one of England’s tour match against a South African Invitation XI saw Ben Stokes and James Taylor both hit centuries as England finished the day on 470/5. Stokes and Taylor will be looking to take this form into the first test match against South Africa, which starts on Boxing Day.
Both players retired shortly after reaching their milestones, with Stokes hitting 158 off 131 balls and Taylor scoring a stylish 114 before retiring to the pavilion to give their team-mates opportunity of some time in the middle.
The recalled Nick Compton was batting at number three. In the absence of Ian Bell, Compton is fighting it out with Gary Ballance for the number three spot in the first test. Compton scored 58 as England recovered from a shaky start after losing captain Cook for two and fellow opener Hales for eight.
Stokes dished out punishment to the South Africa Xi bowlers as he accelerated from 50 to 100 in 38 balls. He struck 28 boundaries in his innings, 23 fours and five sixes.
Once Taylor and Stokes returned to the pavilion, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali were both given some time in the middle. Bairstow scoring 35 before losing his wicket and Ali struck 33 not out.
This article is for the-newshub.com
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