SA slump to 77-5 as Broad, Stokes take two

England captain Ben Stokes followed up Stuart Broad’s double strike with two wickets of his own as South Africa collapsed to 77-5 at lunch on the first day of the second Test at Old Trafford.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar took a calculated risk in deciding to bat first upon winning the toss Thursday in overcast conditions that favoured fast bowlers.

His thinking was influenced by the Proteas’ recall of off-spinner Simon Harmer in place of left-arm quick Marco Jansen in the only change to the team that overwhelmed England by an innings and 12 runs in the first Test at Lord’s last week, with the pitch expected to offer more turn later in the game.

But all of the Proteas’ top order were dismissed in the morning session, with Broad taking 2-17 in six overs and all-rounder Stokes 2-6 in just two. 

Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne was four not out at lunch, with Harmer unbeaten on nought.

England, looking to level this three-match series at 1-1, had an early breakthrough when Sarel Erwee, fresh from a fine 73, inside edged James Anderson -- bowling from the end named after him at his Lancashire home ground -- and was caught behind for three, with wicketkeeper Ben Foakes holding a good diving catch.