CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA TEST VICTORY AGAINST ENGLAND

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA TEST VICTORY AGAINST ENGLAND

Cricket South Africa congratulates team for Test victory against England – Cricket News Update
Cricket South Africa has lauded the Proteas for their recent resounding Test success in England, which saw them emerging victorious from the first Test of the 3-match series, played at the Kennington Oval in London from July 19 to 23.
“There is still much work to be done to clinch the series,” said Jacques Faul, CSA’s Acting CEO. “But this is a moment to celebrate what has been a wonderful team performance of high quality and intensity.”
“There have been standout performances from Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn but there have also been many unsung heroes,” Faul added.
The Proteas went into the series hungry to claim the number one spot on the ICC’s Test team rankings, which is currently occupied by England, and the first triumph, a comprehensive victory by an innings and 12 runs, augurs well for the Proteas in the remainder of the series.
The first Test saw England winning the toss and electing to bat first, with Alastair Cook (115) and Jonathan Trott (71) appearing to have gotten the hosts up to a dominant position.
However, the Proteas turned the tables on the home team on the start of the second day, and eventually answered England’s first innings total of 385 with a powerful 637, courtesy brilliant performances by skipper Graeme Smith (who scored a 131 in the 100th Test of his career), Jacques Kallis (182), and Player of the Match Hashim Amla (who became the first South African to score a 300+ score in a Test match with his emphatic 311).
South Africa declared at 637, and the last day saw the bowlers stepping up to finish the match off, with Dale Steyn (5 for 56) and Imran Tahir (3 for 63) playing a pivotal role in cutting England off at 240.
“This is the first time England have lost a home Test match by an innings in three years and The Oval has been a ground where England have previously been almost invincible. It is our first victory at The Oval ever,” Faul pointed out, going on to praise Smith’s timely declaration, which allowed the Proteas bowlers to finish off the job.
Having gained a 1-0 lead, South Africa will be looking to clinch the series in the second match, due to be played at Headingley in Leeds from August 2 to 6.