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[Number4]

As well as Stokes and Bairstow are batting you really have to take into account the very weak bowling attack SA have gone into this test with. Morris and Rabada are well below international standards so in reality they have 1 quality bowler in the team in Morkel and I think the strain on him is showing.

[northernboy1987]

Can only play what's in front of you though. By that logic any achievement against Zimbabwe or Bangladesh should be ignored due to some of the sub standard teams they've fielded over the years? Including Hayden's then world record 375!

[Number4]

I didn't say anything should be ignored... I said they are batting well.... I'm just telling it like it is and that is SA have fielded a very poor bowling attack in this test

[Over Gully]

Ben Stokes has put England in such a strong position, not just by the amount of runs but they've been scored so quickly it has advanced the game to a point where a declaration should be made before Tea. Maybe bat another 20 overs and have a sharp 40 mins at them before the interval. RSA will be knackered having chased leather for 5 sessions, England's bowlers well rested, and the mental demons still there from last Test for Sth Africa. That Stokes innings is as good as anything Dave Warner can produce...

[ppccopener]

That may well be the case but of you take the new ball and then proceed to have 5 men on the rope after 3 balls, it's hardly giving the bowlers any confidence is it?

It's no good blaming Amla for everything.if you have ever captained a side you would know he is TRYING to protect his tired bowlers. SA need five bowlers not 4 in hot conditions you always do

[northernboy1987]

I didn't say anything should be ignored... I said they are batting well.... I'm just telling it like it is and that is SA have fielded a very poor bowling attack in this test

Sorry perhaps I was being a bit overly defensive haha, just think this has been a really special knock and it's nice to see an England team on the rise

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[FattusCattus]

Are we allowed to speculate on the origins of Stoke's blade?

Is there any chance it was conceived in a small industrial unit in the Nottingham area?

[rickjames]

JONNY THE GINGER NINJA

[Johnny]

Yes bluey!!!

[northernboy1987]

YJB!!!

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[northernboy1987]

Are we allowed to speculate on the origins of Stoke's blade?

Is there any chance it was conceived in a small industrial unit in the Nottingham area?

I'm sure I've seen a picture on here with a sticker from said industrial unit on his bat handle before.

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[iand123]

Emotional celebration from Bairstow

[WalkingWicket37]

Emotional celebration from Bairstow there, that really meant a lot to him and you could see that. Spine tingling stuff when he got to 3 figures

[Johnny]

Hopefully his career can kick on from here. Great moment, obviously meant a lot. Wonder if he was thinking about his dad?

[iand123]

Hopefully his career can kick on from here. Great moment, obviously meant a lot. Wonder if he was thinking about his dad?

That's what I thought. A lot of looks towards the sky and he looked very tearful, as @WalkingWicket37 said spine tingling