LONDON, (Reuters) – South Africa replaced England at the top of the world test rankings yesterday after defeating the home side by 51 runs at Lord’s to win their three-test series 2-0.
England, set a record 346 for victory, were dismissed for 294 after some plucky counter-attacking by Matt Prior (73), Jonny Bairstow (54), Graeme Swann (41) and Stuart Broad (37).
Jonathan Trott also chipped in with 63 and for a time it looked like England could pull off a miracle but ultimately the target was just too high.
The end of the match and the series was sealed when last man Steven Finn was caught by second slip Jacques Kallis off Vernon Philander, who finished with two wickets in two balls for figures of five for 30. Philander had also played two vital innings in the match of 61 and 35.
“South Africa definitely played the better over the course of the three tests,” England captain Andrew Strauss said.
“This match was how I envisaged all three games going – hard fought and small margins being the difference.
“Prior and Swann played incredibly well and it was during their partnership when I thought a win was getting into the realms of possibility, But I can’t fault the hunger or desire of our guys. South Africa were just a bit too good and they deserve all the credit they get.”
South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who led the team to a 2-1 series win in 2008, said he felt this latest series triumph was even sweeter.
Scoreboard
South Africa 309 (JP Duminy 61, V Philander 61; S Finn 4-75) & 351 (H Amla 121. AB de Villiers 43; Finn 4-74)
England first innings 315 (J. Bairstow 95, I. Bell 58; M. Morkel 4-80)
England second innings (overnight 16-2)
A. Strauss lbw b Philander 1
A. Cook lbw b Philander 3
J. Trott c Kallis b Steyn 63
I. Bell c Smith b Philander 4
J. Taylor run out 4
J. Bairstow b Tahir 54
M. Prior c Smith b Philander 73
S. Broad c Amla b Kallis 37
G. Swann run out 41
J. Anderson not out 4
S. Finn c Kallis b Philander 0
Extras (b-7, w-2, nb-1) 10
Total (all out, 82.5 overs) 294
Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-6, 3-34, 4-45, 5-134, 6-146, 7-208, 8-282, 9-294, 10-294
Bowling: Morkel 17-3-58-0 (1nb, 2w), Philander 14.5-4-30-5, Steyn 16-4-61-1, Kallis 11-2-50-1, Tahir 24-3-88-1