England lead series 2-1
"It was a very disappointing batting performance. Ultimately I have to take responsibility for the performance and I now have to mentally and physically upskill these guys in a short space of time to make them better players."
MARK BOUCHER, South Africa coach
"It was a brilliant template for us moving forward as a team. It’s exactly what we are after in terms of our development. It fills the whole group with a massive amount of confidence."
JOE ROOT, England captain
England completed a comprehensive win by an innings and 53 runs on the fifth day of the third Test against South Africa at St George’s Park on Monday, taking an unbeatable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
England were held up by a last wicket stand of 99 between Keshav Maharaj (71) and Dane Paterson (39 not out) and it needed a direct-hit run-out by Sam Curran from mid-on to clinch the result shortly before lunch. South Africa were bowled out for 237.
The partnership between Maharaj and Paterson was easily South Africa’s best of the match and showed up an otherwise poor batting performance by the hosts.
South Africa added 135 runs in losing their last four wickets, which seemed unlikely when Vernon Philander chipped a catch to midwicket off Stuart Broad three balls into the day.
Mark Wood and Dom Bess also took wickets but England captain Joe Root could not add to his four wickets taken on Sunday, conceding 56 runs in 10 overs on Monday to finish with four for 87.
SCORES IN BRIEF
ENGLAND: First innings 499 for 9 declared.
SOUTH AFRICA: First innings 209 and second innings 237 (Du Plessis 36, Maharaj 71, Paterson 39 not out; Wood 3-32, Root 4-87)
Result: England won by an innings and 53 runs and lead the 4-match series 2-1.
Player-of-the-match: Ollie Pope.
