England v South Africa LIVE: Cricket result and scorecard as England win second Test at Old Trafford
England are looking to build on a strong start to this Test match and level the three-match series with the Proteas
Ben Stokes produced the crucial double strike to set England on course for a three-day thrashing of South Africa at Old Trafford.
England romped home in the second Test by an innings and 85 runs - an even bigger margin than the one they lost by in similarly crushing fashion last week at Lord’s - as they flattened the tourists for 179. And it was captain Stokes who once again proved his inspirational all-round qualities, following up his fine century on day two with a long spell of bloody-minded brilliance with ball in hand.
Fourth-wicket pair Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen had successfully sucked the heat out of England after a strong start from the hosts, blocking their way in a determined stand of 87 in 261 balls.
With inspiration in short supply it fell to Stokes to break their will as he removed the pair in successive overs at the start of the evening session. His decisive moment came in the middle of a draining 14-over stint either side of the tea break, as flogged himself for the cause and came up trumps. With his work done he tossed the new ball to James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, who finished things off in a blaze of glory by taking the last five wickets for just seven runs in the space of just 30 deliveries.
Follow all the latest score updates and live commentary from Old Trafford below.
South Africa 135-3 (59); R van der Dussen 36, K Petersen 41 - SA trail by 129
Nice pull shot by Petersen off a Broad chest-high ball and there’s also another single for South Africa. The deficit is less than 130 now as Van der Dussen and Petersen continue to frustrate the hosts.
South Africa 132-3 (58); R van der Dussen 35, K Petersen 39 - SA trail by 132
England really aren’t creating any chances of doing much to bother Van der Dussen or Petersen at the moment. One run scored from the latest Stokes over.
South Africa 131-3 (57); R van der Dussen 34, K Petersen 39 - SA trail by 133
Broad and Stokes deep in conversation mid-over about what field to have. Van der Dussen plays out the first half of the over with no issues and any tweaks also don’t really make a difference as it’s a single from it.
This partnership is approaching 80 now and the crowd have largely been silenced.
South Africa 130-3 (56); R van der Dussen 33, K Petersen 39 - SA trail by 134
Stokes still going short but nicely dealt with by the South African batters. A couple of singles taken from the over.
South Africa 128-3 (55); R van der Dussen 32, K Petersen 38 - SA trail by 136
Broad steaming in and forces Van der Dussen into some defensive strokes. And then finally something to shout about, a big APPEAL! Umpire unmoved and they consider reviewing but opt not to. Good call as there was a slight inside edge - strong captaincy by Stokes.
It’s a maiden anyway.
South Africa 128-3 (54); R van der Dussen 32, K Petersen 38 - SA trail by 136
Ben Stokes brings himself on and it’s a field that suggests a barrage of short stuff is coming. A change of tactics not a bad idea.
First couple of bouncers are evaded before Van der Dussen pulls a single into the leg side. Petersen also deals with the shorter balls well.
South Africa 127-3 (53); R van der Dussen 31, K Petersen 38 - SA trail by 137
OK, Stuart Broad into the attack. South Africa have been in control since lunch and England need a spark.
A half appeal as Petersen tries to pull the ball away but it stays low under his bat and goes through to Foakes. Nothing doing though. A pair of singles from the over and Van der Dussen withdraws his top hand from the bat as he pushes into the off side. That injury still bothering him but he’s soldiering on.
DRINKS! South Africa 125-3 (52); R van der Dussen 30, K Petersen 37 - SA trail by 139
Robinson hasn’t really hit his straps yet in this spell. The second ball of the over spits up at Van der Dussen who shakes his hand out in pain after defending it. A single apiece for the batters before a front-foot no-ball called.
Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad getting loose, so it could be a double change soon. Certainly Leach and Robinson not having much joy. Amd that’s DRINKS!
South Africa 122-3 (51); R van der Dussen 29, K Petersen 36 - SA trail by 142
The Leach vs Petersen battle continuing. It’s all back foot from Petersen and Leach pitching in nice areas but not really challenging the South African.
The one ball he should put away is driven straight at a fielder and he looks frustrated at himself. Another Leach maiden, an eighth from his 16 overs.
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