England v South Africa: Ben Stokes & Ben Foakes hit centuries at Old Trafford

The second Test between England and South Africa was won by England after two days.

England were 415-9 at the end of the first day's play and had a first-day lead of 260.

South Africa was 241 behind by the end of the day.

England were four runs adrift after being removed by Anrich Nortje.

With one match to go, England is poised to level the series at one game apiece.

Both men were dropped on 92 and then fell for 103.

South Africa was given nine overs to survive by England, who declared the game over.

The Proteas face a huge task to drag this contest into a fourth day despite the opening pair coming through.

England emerge from thrilling battle

England's dominant position is in stark contrast to a gripping morning session when the game was in the balance and the terrifying Nortje was threatening to ruin the hosts' good work.

Bairstow was held at first slip for 49 and Nortje ended Crawley's resistance on 38 with a wonderful delivery that was narrowly missed.

The rebuild was not based on the swashbuckling style favored by England so far this summer, but through careful and classical Test batting.

On the pitch that is wearing quickly and delighted a boisterous crowd, the gradual grinding down of the South Africa attack took place.

The name of James Anderson was sung as the local hero came to loosen up between the first and second days, only for the left-handed Erwee to survive.

South Africa is not out of it's misery. The state of the pitch and the quality of the touring attack could make it difficult for them to match England's effort with the bat.

England are huge favorites for victory and could win by the end of the day.

Stokes brings the drama in more ways than one

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It had it's own share of theater. His troublesome left knee needed treatment when he had only 16, he successfully reviewed being given leg before to Lungi Ngidi on 72, and Aiden Markram failed to hold on to the second new ball.

This wasn't the slogging that has been on display for much of the summer, but the captain swept the first ball he faced from Simon Harmer for six.

In his first 41 runs, Stokes took 98 balls and was in complete control. He lofted two more sixes down the ground after scoring.

He took tea on 98 not out and celebrated his 12th century with a bent finger tribute to his late father.

A skied catch to mid-off was the result of a jab at Kagiso Rabada.

Foakes the perfect foil

Foakes is establishing himself under the guidance of the coaches. He is averaging 45 with the bat for England this summer.

This was an unflappable century, only the second by an England wicketkeeper in a home Test since 2016 and Foakes' first since a ton on debut.

Foakes was happy to hook when South Africa tried to test him with bouncers.

The closest he came to giving a chance was when he overturned the decision to give him out.

Foakes' hundred came with a cut for four off Nortje and he had the pleasure of remaining unconquered when England declared.