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England revel in victory after last-gasp win over South Africa

A thrilling finale ensured England levelled the series 1-1 heading into the final two Tests

Freddie Keighley
Tuesday 07 January 2020 16:48 GMT
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England produced an inspired final session to finally secure victory in Cape Town
England produced an inspired final session to finally secure victory in Cape Town

Opener Zak Crawley was full of praise for his England teammates after a thrilling victory over South Africa at Newlands.

The tourists went into the final session of the fifth day needing to take five wickets and break the resolute partnership of Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock.

A thrilling finale saw wickets from Joe Denly, Stuart Broad and three from Ben Stokes ensured England levelled the series 1-1 heading into the final two tests.

Speaking after the match, Crawley said: “This was the best game of cricket I’ve ever played in.”

The 21-year-old also praised England’s Barmy Army for their support, saying: “All five days they were amazing but especially that middle section of the evening session.”

Stokes took 3-35 as he mopped up the Proteas tail and the Warwickshire man said: “He does this time and time again. He’s a superstar.”

Crawley admitted that he was fortunate to take the catch at slip to dismiss Anrich Nortje off Stokes’ bowling, as he parried it upwards before clasping the ball at the second attempt, saying “it was quite lucky but I’ll take it!”

Stuart Broad was the man to remove a steadfast Rassie van der Dussen – who scored 17 off 140 balls – and he said: “We had to work incredibly hard, there was incredible discipline from South Africa. We kept saying ‘try some funky fields’, one bit of magic and we can apply some pressure.

“You need a bit of luck chasing ten wickets and a hell of a lot of character and skill.”

Dominic Sibley hit his debut test century with an unbeaten 133 in the second innings and he added: “It was an amazing atmosphere. It felt like a home game at the end.”

“We were a bit flat [after tea] but things change quickly. I’ve lost two [test matches] and drawn one so it’s nice to get a win on the board. It’s always frustrating when you get a score and it doesn’t contribute to a win but it’s great to have contributed to a win.”

Ben Stokes was presented with the man of the match award but gave it to Sibley for his maiden test hundred.

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