Razeen Gutta
The Proteas suffered defeat in Manchester on Saturday with England getting revenge for their innings loss in the first test at Lord’s a week ago.
England got to 415/9 in their first innings after South Africa were bowled out and got 151 following their decision to bat first.
Ben Stokes declared the England innings after he and Ben Foakes both scored centuries. Ainrich Nortje’s 3/82 were the best figures in a disappointing bowling display from the visitors.
Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad picked up from where they left off in the first innings, with Proteas captain Dean Elgar falling victim to Anderson for just 11 and Broad picking up Aiden Markam for just six.
Keegan Petersen was the top scorer for South Africa with a hard fought 42 off 159 balls before being dismissed by Stokes, but it was Ollie Robertson who starred most for the hosts with four wickets for 43 including the wickets of Sarel Erwee and Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa put up a fight in the early hours of the day, however the deficit was just too big to bear as the hosts dismissed them for 179 to win by an innings and 85 runs.
Stokes was awarded the player of the match award and was ecstatic as his side setup what is sure to be an exciting Oval final next week.
“It’s been incredible. Whenever we come here, we get incredible support. To come back from last week’s disappointment at Lord’s, gives us a lot of confidence and sets up for a cracking finish,” the England captain said post-match.
“When you have that clear mindset and remain positive, it makes things that much more easier. I really wanted to make sure that I bowl those overs and keep the new ball bowlers fresh.”
Image source: @SkySports
