England wrap up Durban Test in a hurry

Cricket365
January 7, 2016

It seemed England were in a rush and needed to be somewhere urgently as they wrapped up the first Test against South Africa in Durban early in the first session of the final day, taking the six wickets that they needed in just 100 minutes.

The Proteas resumed the fifth morning on 137 for four, still needing another 280 runs to reach their target of 416, and with kingpin batsman AB de Villiers still at the crease on 37.

All the home hopes were dashed however when, with the third ball of the day, De Villiers was trapped in front by off spinner Moeen Ali without adding anything to his overnight score.

De Villiers wicket sparked an extraordinary collapse from the hosts as Temba Bavuma fell in Moeen's next over, stumped by Jonny Bairstow for a six-ball duck.

Nightwatchman Dale Steyn survived 21 balls for two runs before he became fast bowler Steven Finn's fourth victim to be clean bowled.

Moeen was wreaking havoc from the other end and had Kyle Abbott trapped plumb in front for two in 11 balls as the Proteas lost four wickets in the first 37 minutes of play.

Dane Piedt and JP Duminy at least saw that the Proteas made it to the first drinks break of the day, after an hour of play, but it was only delaying the inevitable.

Seamer Chris Woakes came in to the attack after the drinks interval and immediately had success when had Piedt caught at short-leg for 27-ball duck.

Stuart Broad sealed an emphatic 241-run victory for the Three Lions when he trapped Morne Morkel lbw for eight as South Africa were 174 all out to and start the celebrations for the tourists.

England thoroughly deserve the win as they just batted and bowled better than the hosts, posting totals of 303 and 326 and bowling the Proteas out for 241 in the first innings.

The home team will have some serious soul searching to do, and they need to do it quickly as the second Test of the four-match series starts at Newlands on Saturday.