Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading

England set 130 to win South Africa series

Leading from the front: England captain Ben Stokes (C) celebrates with teammates after he dismissed South Africa's Marco Jansen . ©AFP

London (AFP) - England were set a target of 130 to win the third Test against South Africa, and with it the series, at The Oval on Sunday.

South Africa were dismissed for 169 -- the highest total so far of a low-scoring match - in their second innings on the fourth day, with no Proteas batsman making more than captain Dean Elgar's 36.

England skipper Ben Stokes led the hosts' attack with 3-39, while Stuart Broad took 3-45.

Ollie Robinson's return of 2-40 in 15 overs meant the Sussex seamer had taken 51 wickets in his 11 career Tests at a miserly average of 19.80.

Only one England bowler since the end of the Second World War has taken more wickets at a better average –- express quick Frank Tyson, whose 76 Test wickets cost just 18.56 apiece.

Victory would mean England had won six of their seven Tests since a new leadership duo of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took charge at the start of this season. 

The climax to a three-Test series, currently level at 1-1, has effectively been reduced to a three-day game.

Thursday's opening day was washed out without a ball bowled before Friday's play was abandoned following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.