Pulse logo
Pulse Region

Ben Stokes and James Taylor star for England

Ben Stokes showed no signs of being troubled by a shoulder injury as he and James Taylor scored unbeaten centuries on Tuesday.
___4466260___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4466260___2015___12___15___21___benstokescropped_aqva1btahjea1orbqao5k8q7t
___4466260___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4466260___2015___12___15___21___benstokescropped_aqva1btahjea1orbqao5k8q7t

Ben Stokes made a sublime century and James Taylor also reached three figures after Nick Compton staked his claim for a place in the side for the first Test against South Africa on day one of the opening tour match against an Invitation XI.

There were concerns that all-rounder Stokes would miss the tour of South Africa when he damaged his shoulder during the third Test against Pakistan last month.

The 24-year-old was ruled out of the limited overs series' in the United Arab Emirates, but allayed any worries over his fitness by smashing a magnificent 158 from only 131 balls as the tourists racked up 470-5 in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.

Stokes hit five sixes and a further 23 boundaries in his swashbuckling knock before retiring, while the impressive Taylor also retired after making an impressive 114 at number five in the three-day match.

Compton, recalled to the squad following an absence of over two years, enhanced his chances of playing in the first Test at Kingsmead - which starts next week - by scoring 58 after coming in at number three.

Alex Hales is set to make his Test debut in Durban next week, but the opener could only manage eight before being trapped leg before by Junior Dala (1-47) and captain Alastair Cook (2) also fell cheaply.

Taylor played some elegant strokes and Stokes dished out punishment at the other end as the pair put on 195 before Taylor took his leave.

Joe Root (28) got a start but failed to go on, while wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow (35) also spent valuable time in the middle and Moeen Ali was unbeaten on 33 at stumps.

Subscribe to receive daily news updates.