Ben Stokes has heaped praise on teammate Jonny Bairstow after the pair put on a record-breaking partnership on day two of the second Test between South Africa and England.

The duo recorded the fastest 300 in Test history on their way to a total of 399 in Cape Town on Tuesday during an innings in which Bairstow finally claimed his maiden Test century after three-and-a-half years representing his country.

While Stokes broke a number of individual records, including the fastest Test 250 and the highest ever score by a number six batsman, he was keen not to let Bairstow's achievements be overshadowed by his own.

"People probably won't speak about Bluey's (Bairstow's) knock, but being the type of player that I am, when another guy is going all hell for leather at the other end you almost get drawn into doing that yourself," Stokes told Sky Sports News afterwards. "I think the way that he just played his natural game and didn't look to go too far out of his box was amazing, and then once he got his 100 he let loose.

"Jonny's worked really hard on quick bowling. The first Test match he showed what form he's in with the 40 and then the 80 he got in the second innings, it's great to see him capitalise on his good form and I'm absolutely buzzing for him to see him get over that mark and get his first 100."

After England declared on 629-6, Hashim Amla rallied for the hosts for an unbeaten 64 to end day two on 141-2.