Only Australia and the West Indies had beaten the Proteas on home soil in the 50-over format until England's 2-1 success was confirmed earlier today after the fifth and final match was rained off in Durban without a ball being bowled. It was the home sides first defeat in 16 one-day series on home soil.
One-Day Series
The series began with a wash out in Johannesburg before England battled to a seven wicket win in Centurion thanks to a century from Paul Collingwood who hit 105 off of 110 balls. Jonathan Trott also scored high, hitting 87 off 119. In attack, James Anderson took 3-60 whilst Tim Bresnan and Collingwood took two wickets each.
One up in the series, England moved onto Newlands in Cape Town where they were destroyed by an impressive South African performance. Having won the toss the home side opted to bat, and it proved to be the right call from skipper Greame Smith as he and fellow opener Hashim Amla put on 107 for the first wicket before Smith was bowled by Luke Wright for 54. Amla continued to knock the England attack around the field as he scored 86 before being caught behind by Matt Prior off the bowling of Stuart Broad. Despite a score of 354/6 South Africa only managed 1 six in the match through wicket-keeper Mark Boucher. In reply, England managed 242 all-out with Collingwood again the top scorer.
Port Elizabeth hosted the fourth match and with the scores tied at 1-1 it was to be a crucial match which England won. In a total reverse of fortunes from the match before, England bowled the home side out for just 119 with James Anderson taking his first five wicket haul. England needed just 31.2 overs to reach their target with Trott hitting 52 not out. England took a 2-1 lead in the series meaning that South Africa could only manage a draw with a win in Durban, but the weather conspired against them as again the match was rained off without a ball being bowled.
Commenting on the win, Andrew Strauss told BBC Sport:
"I think the guys have enjoyed having the shackles taken off them to a certain extent. A lot of our one-day cricket over the last few years has been played like men under a lot of pressure.
"A lot of the players were under pressure, playing for their places and because the results weren't very good."
Paul Collingwood was named man of the series.
Test Series
England will now face a South African XI in two warm-up matches before a four test series completes their tour. England lost the last series against the Proteas last year in England, and the home side are currently ranked number 1 in the World at test level.
The dates for the four test series are as follows:
December
16-20 1st Test, Centurion
Play starts 0830 GMT
26-30 2nd Test, Kingsmead, Durban
Play starts 0830 GMT
January
3-7 3rd Test, Newlands, Cape Town
Play starts 0830 GMT
14-18 4th Test, Wanderers, Johannesburg
Play starts 0830 GMT
Sources: BBC SPORT
Adam Conroy - Despite not being an experienced writer, I have had a love of all things sport since a young age. I have travelled both the country and ...
