ENG vs SA: Broad, Stokes put England in driver’s seat in series finale
England openers Alex Lees and Zak Crawley on Day 4
England find themselves on the brink of a series victory over South Africa to cap a successful home summer, one which witnessed the launch of their so-called BazBall approach. Needing 130 to win in the final innings of the match, bad light disrupted the proceedings with the hosts reaching 33 runs within their target.
Ben Stokes blitz and Stuart Broad’s milestone day drives England to advantage
It took South Africa less than three overs on Day 4 to abolish the English tail, as hosts reached 158 to finish with a lead of 40. The Englishmen retaliated quick and in style, with captain Ben Stokes and senior pacer Stuart Broad leading the charge to dismantle their guests for just 169.
South African skipper Dean Elgar top-scored in the innings with 36 at the top. While Elgar and his opening partner Sarel Erwee wiped off the 40-run deficit without any damage, the visitors still ended up with a meagre lead of 129.
English openers launched the run-chase with intent, maintaining a run-rate of more than five throughout the remaining 17 overs of Day 4. Zak Crawley even reached his half-century and will resume his side’s response at 57 on the final day.
Brief scores:
South Africa: 118 (36.2)
Marco Jansen 30 (59), Khaya Zondo 23 (57)
Ollie Robinson 5-49, Stuart Broad 4-41
England: 158 (36.2)
Ollie Pope 67 (77), Joe Root 23 (25)
Marco Jansen 5-35, Kagiso Rabada 4-81
South Africa: 169 (56.2)
Dean Elgar 36 (59), Sarel Erwee 26 (53)
Ben Stokes 3-39, Stuart Broad 3-45
England: 97-0 (17)
Zak Crawley 57* (44), Alex Lees 32* (61)
England need 33 runs to win
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