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England number six Ben Stokes smashed a maiden Test double-century, off just 163 balls, on day two of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Here are statistics and reaction from the cricketing world.
– Stokes’ 258 off 198 deliveries was his highest Test score, surpassing the 120 he compiled against Australia in Perth in 2013.
– Stokes struck 30 fours and 11 sixes, an England record for maximums.
– The quickest Test double-century by an England player, convincingly beating Sir Ian Botham’s 220-ball effort against India at the Oval in 1982.
– The second-fastest double-ton in Test history, 10 balls more than New Zealander Nathan Astle’s milestone against England in Christchurch in 2002.
– The highest score by a number-six batsman in Tests, the quickest English hundred against South Africa, the fastest 150 by an Englishman in Tests and the fastest 250 in Tests.
– Stokes and Jonny Bairstow’s partnership, worth 399, was the best for the sixth wicket in Test history.
– Stokes’ 130 runs in the first session were the most scored before lunch in Test history.
– The 196 runs scored in the morning session is the highest ever by an England team in Tests and the second-highest total before lunch by any team.
That was a rare days test cricket. @benstokes38 @jbairstow21 were #UNBELIEVABLE! Amazing achievements and a joy to watch! #Wallop
— Joe Root (@root66) January 3, 2016
@benstokes38 @jbairstow21 that was different level today…puts @englandcricket in a great position
— Chris Jordan (@CJordan) January 3, 2016
I’ve Not witnessed anything like that before. Some of the best striking you will ever see @benstokes38 @jbairstow21 pic.twitter.com/LlTVwcoJWB
— Nick Compton (@thecompdog) January 3, 2016
Remarkable day watching Stokesy and JB bat. Such clean striking!
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) January 3, 2016
Thanks for the b’day messages. what a day it was watching the Weasley twins launch it round Newlands! Congrats @benstokes38 @jbairstow21
— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) January 3, 2016
One of the best partnerships you could wish to see!!! The ginger ninjas @benstokes38 and @jbairstow21 were UNBELIEVABLE today #SAvENG
— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) January 3, 2016
The BEAST! What a freak. Best knock I’ve ever seen. Well played ledge @benstokes38 !! #superstar #entertainer
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) January 3, 2016
Awesome from @jbairstow21 too. Congratulations on your Maiden Test Hundred! Amazing innings. What a days cricket
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) January 3, 2016
Outstanding batting by @benstokes38 and @jbairstow21 today!!
— Moeen Ali (@MoeenAli) January 3, 2016
Incredible knock from @benstokes38 proper entertainment.
— James Vince (@vincey14) January 3, 2016
Our club has grown by one today. Well batted @benstokes38
— Jason Gillespie (@YCCCDizzy) January 3, 2016
Special from @benstokes38 Pure entertainment.
— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) January 3, 2016
Doesn’t get much better than that!! Got a bit of talent!Unbelievable @benstokes38 and what a place to do it #SAvENG #CapeTown
— Paul Collingwood (@Colly622) January 3, 2016
Brilliant from @benstokes38 a pleasure to watch
— Marcus Trescothick (@Trescricket) January 3, 2016
YOU BEAUTYYYYYYYY @benstokes38 . That is simply INCREDIBLE. Wow.
— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) January 3, 2016
This innings from @benstokes38 is insane. Worth getting up early for (accompanied by the leftover Christmas chocolate for breakfast)
— Greg James (@gregjames) January 3, 2016
Unbelievable from Stokes
— Chris Tremlett (@ChrisTremlett33) January 3, 2016
Ben.Stokes.
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) January 3, 2016
@benstokes38 take a bow #immensebatting #bothamesque
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) January 3, 2016
This is a ‘I was there moment’ …. Thank you @benstokes38 #SAvEng
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 3, 2016
What am I watching! Absolute pleasure @benstokes38 . Serious striking going on, what an innings bro! 2 ‘s doing a proper job @jbairstow21
— Jason Roy (@JasonRoy20) January 3, 2016
Take a bow @benstokes38 he could write the book on taking the game away from opposition. All men on fence and still backing himself
— Tim Bresnan (@timbresnan) January 3, 2016
STOKES
— Graham Onions (@BunnyOnions) January 3, 2016
Source: ECB