SA vs ENG: 2nd Test – Dom Sibley lights up Newlands with maiden Test hundred

England opener Dom Sibley registered his maiden Test century on Day 4 of the second Test between South Africa and England at Newlands, Cape Town. Sibley’s unbeaten 133 along with Ben Stokes’ quickfire fifty helped England secure a 438-run lead, despite South Africa’s frequent breakthroughs.

The visitors succumbed to a paltry 269 in their first innings, thanks to South Africa’s all-round bowling performance. Playing only the third Test of his career, 24-year-old Sibley showed tremendous composure but was caught behind off Kagiso Rabada’s bowling just as he was settling in. His 34 off 76 balls commendably lasted 107 minutes, after England were reduced to 8/1 in as early as the third over.

South Africa’s response lasted all of 89 overs and they could only manage 223 runs, conceding a 46-run lead to England. Jimmy Anderson starred with a five-wicket haul for England while Dean Elgar top-scored with 88 for the Proteas.

An absorbing first session in Cape Town!

– Ben Stokes hit a 47-ball 72
– South Africa took three wickets
– And Dom Sibley hit his maiden Test century!#SAvENG pic.twitter.com/Mg7Hu4k3xI

— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2020

Come England’s second innings, Sibley quickly got into the groove and continued his good touch. Once again, Zak Crawley’s departure left the visitors reeling early on. But along with Joe Denly, Sibley added 73 runs for the second wicket. He then went on to stitch a 116-run stand with captain Joe Root and another 92 runs with Stokes. Both partnerships were crucial in helping England claw their way back into the innings, especially after Anrich Nortje’s regular strikes. Having set a massive target to the hosts, England declared on 391/8.