England’s Test victory over South Africa came to a fitting conclusion in Durban this morning as Stuart Broad, who led the bowling unit with distinction in the absence of James Anderson, took the final wicket to secure victory.
The Nottinghamshire fast bowler trapped Morne Morkel (8) lbw to complete a 241-run success for Alastair Cook’s men.
Although it was his only wicket of the second innings, Broad’s first innings 4-25 had put England firmly in the box seat on day two, an advantage they never surrendered.
The tourists commenced the final day needing six more wickets to secure victory with AB de Villiers unbeaten on 37 having looked in imperious form on the previous evening.
But the wicketkeeper-batsman departed immediately on the final morning, wandering too far across his stumps and perishing lbw to Moeen Ali, who went on remove Temba Bavuma (0) and Kyle Abbott (2) with the minimum of fuss as the South Africa lower-order folded.
The Worcestershire off-spinner finished with match figures of 7-116 and took the man of the match award.
Steven Finn, who had taken three wickets on the previous evening, clattered a delivery into the top of Dale Steyn’s off-stump, while Chris Woakes had Dane Piedt (0) caught at short-leg by James Taylor.
It was fitting that the Nottinghamshire batsman had a say in the final chapter of England’s against the odds victory having earlier posted crucial scores of 70 and 42, helping the tourists to their position of control.
Alex Hales, on Test debut, scored ten and 26 and is likely to continue alongside Cook at the top of the order in an England side that may welcome back the returning James Anderson when the series moves on to Cape Town.
South Africa, meanwhile, must decide who will replace the injured Dale Steyn and make a decision on whether de Villiers is to retain the gloves.
England are returning to the scene of their Ashes triumph in 2016 for Royal London One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
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