South Africa vs. England: Winners and Losers from 3rd Test
South Africa lost the third Test against England by seven wickets and have lost the series with one match still to play.
An incredible spell of bowling from Stuart Broad that saw him take six for 17 in just 12.1 overs ripped through the South Africa batting lineup as they succumbed to 83 all out in their second innings.
England knocked off the runs needed with ease and beat South Africa for the first time in 10 years.
Here are some winners and losers from the third Test. Add yours in the comments.
Winner: Stuart Broad
1 of 6
Since July 2011, no other bowler has taken more wickets than Stuart Broad. He's taken 215 wickets in that time, and he ripped through South Africa in the second session on Day 3 of the third Test at the Wanderers, Johannesburg.
In just one session, Broad turned the Test on its head, showing the value of hitting the right areas and pitching the ball up. Backed by his captain, Broad exploited everything the wicket had to offer and bowled a mesmerising spell that exposed every single one of South Africa’s weaknesses.
Winner: The Crowd
2 of 6
Although small for the first two days, the Wanderers crowd came out in full voice on Day 3. Even when the numbers on the scoreboard were looking grim, the South African fans kept cheering and kept supporting their side while waiting for the inevitable.
There is so much talk around the state of Test cricket and the poor attendance figures around the world that it’s a breath of fresh air to see a crowd come out in such large numbers.
Loser: South Africa’s Place at the Top of World Cricket
3 of 6
For the first time in 10 years, South Africa lost a series to England. Their second innings total of 83 was their lowest on home soil since readmission and, fittingly, the series loss means they will be displaced at the top of the Test rankings by India.
South Africa’s decline has been fast, but anyone who watched them struggle in Bangladesh and then look completely at sea in India will know this was coming.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Loser: South Africa’s Batsmen
4 of 6
Even though the Newlands pitch was flat, it looked like South Africa might have just exorcised some of the demons from India when they piled on over 600 runs.
It turns out that was all just a ruse.
In the first innings, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, not a single South African batsman managed to make a 50, and they had to rely on their tail-enders to get them over the 300-run mark.
Winner: England’s Middle Order
5 of 6
In Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, England have an enthralling and entertaining middle order who play the kind of cricket that keeps you glued to the screen.
In this series, they have all clicked, and when that happens for a team, you can only sit back in awe and appreciate what you are witnessing.
Loser: South Africa’s Team Selection
6 of 6
South Africa opting for an all-pace attack is nothing new or surprising, especially on a wicket like the Wanderers.
What was surprising was they opted for a pace attack that consisted of fast bowlers that are all blasters and did not have anyone who could hold up one end.
In hindsight, Kyle Abbott might have been a better choice ahead of Hardus Viljoen. Viljoen, although pacey, can be erratic.
He came into the team on the back of two 10-fors, and picking in-form players is never a bad idea. But without a spinner to play a holding role, it was always going to be tough for South Africa’s bowlers.
All information obtained firsthand unless otherwise stated.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
