BEN STOKES was wailing with a hint a wobble as he pulled his battered body along a string of tumultuous overs.

In seven balls, the England captain took two wickets and the intensity of his bowling threatened the transformation of the First Test.

Minutes before the end of day two, Stokes claimed a third wicket. Even though South Africa remain on top, it would be a terrible situation without Stokes' intervention.

He was able to remove the opener Sarel Erwee from his teacup for 73 using a brute of an bouncer, and then he had No.5 Rassie Van der Dussen lbw for 19.

Stuart Broad's 100th Test wicket at Lord's was the difference between South Africa and South Africa. South Africa was 210-6, with only 45 runs remaining.

However, Marco Jansen (6ft 8ins) and Keshav Maharaj (spinner) produced a stunning late counter-attack that resulted in a partnership of 72. This included 50 balls from each stage.

England looked dispirited, and Stokes returned late in the game, conceding 16 runs after his first over.

In his second, Maharaj coaxed him into throwing a catch to the mid-wicket.

Stokes has regular knee pain and you can tell that he feels it.

He is determined to not allow his contribution to be impeded.

It is clear that his efforts from the Pavilion End, much of which was a diet of short stuff and strength-sapping foodstuffs, were a tremendous physical effort.

Let's just hope that the consequences for his body will not be too severe.

Broad stated that he had not seen much of Ian Botham, but Ben is a lot like Andrew Flintoff. He brings theatre to the table and places bums on the seats.

His knee can jar on occasion, but he's resilient and is quite tough. He has an inspiring style and is all-action. We were really moved by the bouncer from the opener.

"There is a real feeling that we are still in the game. Although we still need to have some great days, this summer has shown us that anything is possible.

England was bowled out in just 45 overs earlier in the day for just 165.

Ollie Pope resumed at 61 not out, and soon was dropped at the first slip. Erwee made an incredible juggling attempt to grab the ball, before it finally fell on its own.

Pope, however, was unable to capitalize on his fortune and he chopped into his stumps for $73

The Wickets fell with Broad making a catch to point, Jack Leach slowing down and James Anderson getting out of lbw.

Dean Elgar is a conservative, nuggety and disciplined person - quite the opposite of risk-taking Stokes.

Elgar laid the foundation for South Africa's total, but he did not rely on accumulation and patience. Elgar hit eight fours and had a good strike rate.

Zak Crawley dropped the left-handed opener on seven at second slip. Matthew Potts was flying too fast for Crawley's to respond properly.

Broad was then given Elgar lbw, but a review revealed that the ball had brushed his pad instead of his bat.

Anderson's ball hit Elgar on the pad and bounced onto Elgar's elbow. The ball bounced back onto Elgar's stumps, causing the bails to be removed with enough force.

Anderson was a 40-year old and had a good wicket, but not in the manner he expected.

Keegan Petersen looked elegant before pushing Jonny Bairstow to the third slip.

Aiden Markram shook his head at Leach's flighted delivery, and the ball went to the outside.

Erwee, who was playing in Weybridge CC, Surrey, was composed and calm. From 89 balls, Erwee reached half-century with a square drive for four from Broad.

He couldn't get his gloves out the way of a vicious Stokes bouncer, and the ball was lobbed to Ben Foakes at the stumps. Then Stokes nailed van der Russen plumb in front.

Broad and Anderson haven't bowled competitively since July 4, and they look a bit rusty and tired at times.

Broad was able to reach his century-high of wickets on a single wicket by having Kyle Verreynne, the wicketkeeper, caught behind Jansen and Maharaj. This dramatically increased the scoring rate.

Red for Ruth Day was celebrated, and people were encouraged to wear red to support the Ruth Strauss Foundation.

This fund raises money for families who have lost a loved one.