Joe Root’s delayed introduction of Ben Stokes’ into England’s bowling attack caused raised eyebrows on the third day of the third Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth.
As nightwatchman Anrich Nortje defied England for 136 balls, and he and Quinton de Kock kept out over 20 overs for the sixth wicket, Root opted for six bowlers ahead of his premier all-rounder, not just front-line options Stuart Broad, Sam Curran, Dom Bess, and Mark Wood, but part-timers Joe Denly and himself.
After just 10 balls, Stokes had made the breakthrough, Nortje nicking off to Root at first slip, and Pietersen felt vindicated in his criticism. “It’s brilliant from Stokes. Where have you been Stokes? He turns up and in his second over he says, ‘Nortje, good night’.”
