Giornale Roma - England set 130 to win South Africa series

NYSE - LSE
RBGPF -3.48% 62.9 $
BCC -0.2% 74.84 $
NGG -0.13% 76.02 $
RIO 1.51% 95.65 $
CMSC 0.15% 20.27 $
BCE 0.05% 19.74 $
AZN -0.24% 156.53 $
GSK -1.03% 46.55 $
CMSD 0% 20.43 $
JRI -2.35% 10.65 $
RELX 1.18% 33.82 $
RYCEF 1.92% 19.8 $
BTI 0.45% 52.88 $
VOD -0.18% 16.79 $
BP -0.38% 44.62 $
England set 130 to win South Africa series
England set 130 to win South Africa series / Photo: Ian Kington - AFP

England set 130 to win South Africa series

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.

Text size:

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.

A.Rossi--GdR