Johannesburg: Joe Root hit a thrilling century for England as he and Ben Stokes transformed the third Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday. England were 238 for five when the threat of lightning brought an early close on the second day, 75 runs behind South Africa's first innings total of 313. Root was on 106 not out, his ninth Test century.


Joe Root celebrates his ton yesterday 

A fifth-wicket partnership of 111 in 78 minutes off 97 balls with Stokes (58) swung the match dramatically in England's favour after a four-pronged South African pace attack had reduced the tourists to 91 for four. Root and Stokes counter-attacked, posting a fifty partnership off only 35 balls in a match where the average scoring rate had hovered at around three an over on a pitch offering help to the fast bowlers. "He takes the pressure off you," Root said of the left-handed Stokes.