Once again England won the toss and Root elected to bat
After England posted 400, with under pressure Crawley top scoring with 66 and further contributions from Root 59, Pope 56 followed by a quick fire 82 partnership between Wood & Broard, England took the field and bowled the hosts out for 183. Man of the match Mark Wood taking 5 for 46, England didn’t enforce the follow on and scored 248 in 62 overs. With South Africa needing 466 to win, they were bowled out for 274 with an excellent 98 from VD Dussen, still looking for his maiden test century, once again Wood doing the damage with 4 for 54, during the match.
The Barmy Army said goodbye to the retiring Billy the trumpet from touring, a presentation was made by Joe Root with a signed England shirt.
This wrapped up a comprehensive 3-1 victory, but let’s not get carried away, the last time we were here we edged it 2-1 which was most satisfying as they at the time had a great side albeit a few coming to the end of their careers, this is a transitional period for both sides, I do think we are well behind the the India’s, Australia’s and the Blackcaps in test cricket, I think it will be a big two Years with tours to India and the Ashes in Australia, let’s hope we unearth a couple of gems in that time!
I am delighted by the emergence of Ollie Pope as I’ve mentioned on numerous occasions, he has clearly left his mark in test cricket, Root himself praised him and rightly so, he also said let’s not get carried away with the win! There will be changes in the near future with places up for grabs in all departments, we are in need of another couple of fast bowlers, and the wicket keeper position needs to be assessed too. I think one or two are on their last chance, so I look forward to seeing it all unfold.
I would just like to say from me and the team at ICT a very big thank you for coming with us on another tour, we have very much enjoyed meeting new friends and catching up with old friends, I have had a great time with you all.
I have been inundated with quite a few asking me about a variety of fourth coming tours, emails will be sent out about India as soon as we have the destinations and dates, I can tell you Richard, Sara & Jonty have been on many meetings with our friends in India putting together fabulous packages, I have had an an insight, they all look mouthwatering to me, it sure will be a great tour, England will have their work cut out to get a result, but it will be interesting to measure our progress with Virat Kohli’s great India side in their own back yard!
