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Day in focus: Stokes and Roland-Jones shine for England

South Africa 126/8 at the close of a thrilling Day 3 at the Oval

England took a commanding advantage of the third Test as South Africa finished day two 227 runs behind at eight wickets down at the Oval.

The visitors were reduced to 126/8 at the close of play as Toby Roland-Jones marked his England debut with four wickets on a thrilling day in London. 

The Three Lions posted a first innings score of 353 earlier on Friday as Ben Stokes struck a stunning 112, with his century brought up as he hit three consecutive sixes. 

Alastair Cook only added six runs to his overnight score as he fell lbw to Morkel for 88 in the morning before Stokes boosted England's innings with the support of Jonny Bairstow (36) and Roland-Jones (36) in particular.

In overcast conditions, the Three Lions then tore through the South Africa batting line up as Roland-Jones' efforts were supported by two wickets for James Anderson and one each for Stokes and Broad. 

Story of the day - Stokes smashes brilliant century

 

 

 

 

Then Roland-Jones blasts through South Africa...

 

He Said

It's been a special day, I enjoyed it immensely. The conditions suited seam bowling and I'm delighted to have taken four wickets.

Toby Roland-Jones

Stats of the Day

Ben Stokes is the first England player to hit more than one century against South Africa batting at No. 6 or lower.

Stokes is only the second Englishman to hit three consecutive sixes in a Test.

Toby Roland-Jones is the fastest player to four wickets on debut for England since Bob Appleyard in 1954.

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