Ben Stokes hit a storming 158 in the first innings of England’s open match of their tour of South Africa.

Stokes, of Cockermouth, smashed the bowling of the South African Invitation XI to the boundaries.

Hitting five sixes and 14 fours, the County Durham player made his total off just 131 balls.

Stokes retired from the innings unbeaten as did his team-mate James Taylor after making 114.

England declared on 470-5 and in the Invitation first innings Stokes took two wickets for 25 runs as the home side were dismissed for 188.

England’s second innings, however, didn’t start all that well and they were 99-3 at the close of play yesterday.