Stokes is scoring at an astonishing rate for a test. Taking the match and series away from them in a single session at the moment. Top stuff.
Stokes is one of those players who on their day are unplayable. Bairstow's not been too shabby either, ideal partnership...
100 runs in a single test session I've always used as a benchmark for good batting but to do it in half a session is just something else. Drinks break? The S Africans need a stiff whiskey after that. That's better. In the right place this time.
The thing worth noting is that it's a good batting pitch. By slaying them in such fashion Stokes has, it will give us plenty of time to get 20 wickets. And with better bowlers he's giving us a good chance of winning on what could have been a draw pitch.
196 runs in one session! Possibly the greatest in test history, well done Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow...
Second highest scoring session before lunch in the history of the game. Puts some perspective on it. Well done.
Amazingly, Stokes's double-century isn't the quickest in test history. Nathan Astle got 200 off 153 balls against England in 2002 in a losing run chase.
Incredible! What an innings from Stokes. I'm so glad I was able to sit and watch that session. To paraphrase Atherton in commentary - Stokes will never forget this, no matter what else he does in his career, an iconic test venue in front of table mountain, under beautiful blue skies in front of 10 thousand England fans. Quite unbelievable! I really hope Bairstow gets his hundred after lunch. He has been excellent. SA are clearly in decline and bereft of confidence, but this England side are playing some fantastic cricket.
Someone needs to tell Stokes it's not a 20/20 match, astonishing batting. Bairstow deserves a mention too, excellent partnership.
Bairstow has been brilliant, the perfect foil, his scoring is decent for a test match, just Stokes has made him look pedestrian. That has to be the best session of Test Cricket I've been privileged to see...
Sussex bowler Matthew Hobden dies at the age of 22 Sad news ...22 years old with such potential http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/35215453
