On This Day In 2016: England’s Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow Put Up 399-Run Partnership Against South Africa

ON THIS DAY IN 2016: England’s Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow produced one of the greatest Test partnerships in the history of the game on this day in 2016. Test cricket is widely considered to be the sport’s most difficult format. Donning the iconic whites, cricketers often find themselves competing in tough playing conditions as the fixture continues to change with time.

England all-rounder and current Test captain Ben Stokes produced an epic moment in Cape Town having pulled off a memorable knock of 258 off just 198 deliveries. Stokes and Bairstow had registered a 399-run partnership in that match.

England were touring South Africa for a bilateral series that included four Tests in 2016. The visitors had already won their previous game by 241 runs and were looking to sweep the series 2-0. The match began with England winning the toss and deciding to bat first.

England had a good start with Alex Hales and Joe Root scoring fifties. James Taylor’s departure for a golden duck was a shocker. Ben Stokes came onto the pitch and smashed the second-fastest double-hundred of Test history. He reached this milestone in just 163 balls.

Jonny Bairstow made sure that he did not lag, notching 150 runs in 191 balls. This helped England finish with a massive total of 629 runs before declaring the innings.

Having added a combined 399 runs, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow set a new world record. They moved past New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Watling who set the record for the most runs scored for the sixth wicket back in 2015. The Kiwi duo had stitched a partnership of 365 runs back then. Despite Stokes’ heroics, the game ultimately ended in a draw.

When I started going we had a good score on the board so I thought me getting out here won’t be the worst thing. I just went for my shots and it came off. — Ben Stokes