Stokes raises his bat after bringing up his half-century

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England all-rounder Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 74 to put his side in a commanding position against South Africa on the first day of the second Test in Cape Town.

Stokes was well supported by Alex Hales and Joe Root as they made 60 and 50 respectively.

England captain Alastair Cook would have been pleased with his decision to bat first as he and Hales amassed a 55-run partnership before he was brilliantly caught by debutant Chris Morris at third slip off the bowling of Kagiso Rabada for 27.

Hales and Nick Compton kept the runs flowing with a 74-run stand, during which Hales brought up his half-century, before he was caught by AB de Villiers at slip off the bowling of Morne Morkel.

Hales’ career-best knock of 60 came off 140 balls and included 10 boundaries.

Hales scored his maiden Test fifty

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Following Hales’ dismissal, England lost Compton and James Taylor in consecutive deliveries before Root and Stokes stabilised the innings with a 56-run partnership, during which Root registered his half-century.

Morris provided the breakthrough and got his first Test wicket when Root was caught behind for 50 off 79 balls, which included five boundaries.

Root’s superb form with the bat continued

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England’s dominance with the bat continued as Stokes and Jonny Bairstow put together an unbeaten 94-run stand, during which Stokes recorded his half-century, before stumps was called.

Stokes finished on 74 off 93 balls, which included 11 boundaries and a six, while Bairstow remained undefeated on 39 off 59 deliveries, which included five boundaries.

Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Morris and Morkel claimed one wicket each.

England ended day one on 317/5 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 08:30 GMT.