ENG VS SA TESTS

Right then, that brings an end to the second Test match in Manchester and there is all to play for going into the third game. South Africa secured an innings victory in the first game and England have returned the favor in style. England have secured some crucial World Test Championship points and will be looking to seal a series win. South Africa will want to brush off the disappointment and come back stronger.  We move to the capital city of London for the series decider that will be played at The Oval. There will bit of a break as the game will take place on Thursday, 8th of September at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT). Our build-up though begins a lot earlier. So do join us for the same. Till then, goodbye and cheers!

Ben Stokes the skipper of England, is the Player of the Match. He says it has been incredible to play here at Manchester, and James Anderson bowling from his own end is even more special. Adds this victory has given them a lot of confidence and now the series is set up nicely. On Zak Crawley he says that he played incredibly and negotiated the new ball brilliantly, he set the innings for them. On Ben Foakes he says that he should be receiving this award, as he has been incredible with the bat and behind the stumps. When asked about Ollie Robinson, he says that it's good to have him back, and to see him perform well it's even better. He is a quality bowler. Ben Stokes states that he just adapted himself to the pitch and to the conditions. He had a positive mindset while coming to bat, which always helps them. Says that his knee is in good condition, he adds that he wanted to bowl with the old ball and bring the other pacers only once the new ball was taken.

Dean Elgar the skipper of South Africa is down for a chat. He says that England were far better than them through the 3 days and he congratulates them for their victory. Adds that he has no regrets about his decision on team selection or even selecting to bat first. Further says that the first innings score is always important but they failed to put that on the board, and let them down. Adds that there are a lot of positives and learnings to take from this game. They have a few days before the next game and they will regroup.  Mentions that spinners were getting a lot of purchase from this wicket and that is why he did go for them, rather than the pacers. He says that cricket is a funny game and they do need a bit of luck going their way. On Rassie van der Dussen he says that he has fractured his finger, and he is most likely ruled out of the series.

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Earlier in the Test, Dean Elgar won the toss and made the decision of batting first on a relatively dry wicket. His decision did backfire as South Africa were bundled out for 151 runs, with Stuart Broad and James Anderson grabbing 3 wickets each for England. Coming to bat, England put up a healthy total of 415 runs on the board. Ben Stokes and Ben Foakes were the two batters who notched up their respective tons and were the main architects of getting such a commanding lead for England. Not to forget, the contributions made by Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow were vital as well. They eventually ended up getting a lead of 264 runs, and that was when Ben Stokes decided to declare. His decision did work like a charm as they bundled out South Africa for just 179 runs.

The visitors had a tough task coming into Day 3. They were trailing by 241 runs, and got off to the worst possible start losing three wickets early. South Africa went into Tea with some hope as Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen put on a stubborn performance to deny the English bowlers. They would have loved to continue but Rassie van der Dussen departed soon after Tea ending an 87-run partnership having faced 261 deliveries. The wicket caused a mini-collapse as they lost 7 wickets for 38 runs and conceded the game to the hosts. Credit must be given to English bowlers who were disciplined and continued to toil in the hunt for wickets. The three front-line fast bowlers picked up the first three wickets but it was a fiery spell from the captain Ben Stokes that changed the game. He came out after Tea with determination and picked up the wickets of both the set batters. Ollie Robinson and James Anderson cleaned up the tail ending with 4 and 3 wickets respectively.

England have roared back in style! What a complete performance this has been by the hosts and they tie the series 1-1! They came out with intent after the Tea break and ripped through the South African lower order to win by an innings and 85 runs. There was a lot of talk about the England tactics and they have proved once again that they have changed the mentality in the group. After the disappointing loss in the first game, they returned the favor and demolished the visitors. South Africa will be sad that they have let the opportunity to grab a series win, slip out of their hands.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Ollie Robinson grabs the final wicket and wraps the game up! A length ball, nipping in, around the off pole. Lungi Ngidi gets beaten while trying to defend this and the ball goes on to hit the top of off! England win by an innings and 85 runs!

Full once again and outside off, Kyle Verreynne blocks this towards short cover.

On a good length and in line with the stumps, Kyle Verreynne blocks this back towards the bowler.

This is full as well and outside off, Kyle Verreynne gets his bat down and gets an inside edge towards square leg.

James Anderson serves this full and outside off, Kyle Verreynne blocks this towards cover.

Outside off, a length ball. Kyle Verreynne blocks it towards cover.

Down leg, fuller ball. Kyle Verreynne misses his flick.

On a length, outside off. Lungi Ngidi gets beaten while trying to block this one.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! England are now just one wicket away from a resounding victory! Ollie Robinson bowls this on a good length and just outside off, Anrich Nortje pushes at this and gets a slight outside edge. Ben Foakes takes an easy catch and the England players are jubilant! They have come out firing after the Tea break and the new ball has changed the game.