CRICKINFORMER - DAILY CRICKET UPDATES

South Africa wins the third test and series

          In an absolutely thilling finale to the final test match, South Africa beat England by 51 runs and won the series by 2-0. With this win, South Africa also dethrone England as No.1 test side as per the ICC test cricket rankings. South Africa now tops the chart with 120 ratings and England at second position with 117 ratings followed by Australia with 116 ratings. South Africa who won the first test at the The Oval by an innings and 12 runs and managed to draw the second test at Headingly, only had to avoid defeat at Lord's to replace England from the top position of ICC rankings.

           England had good chances to win the match and tie the series but the South African seamer Vernon Philander made it all easy for the Proteas by taking last two wickets in two balls to have a total of 5 wickets in the innings. Philander who also took 61 runs in the first innings and 35 in the second innings has been rewarded with the well deserved Man of the match award.

Scorecard:

SA  309 in 101.2 overs & 351 in 124.2 overs
Eng 315 in 107.3 overs & 294/10 in 82.5 overs

Series Summary:

Man of the Series: Hashim Amla & Matt Prior
Top Scorer : Hashim Amla (482 Runs in 3 Matches)
Highest Wicket Taker:  Dale Steyn (15 Wickets in 3 Matches)