Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After England vs South Africa 1st Test
At Lord’s, South Africa defeated England by an innings margin, dismantling the home batting order twice in three days to take a 1-0 series lead.
After lunch, Anrich Nortje destroyed England’s innings with a three-wicket salvo, and Kagiso Rabada finished with match figures of 7 for 79. England was routed in 37.4 overs.
The outcome dealt England’s full-time Test captain Ben Stokes his first loss, and it was made clear that South Africa would be a tough test for the new management’s attacking philosophy following a run of four straight victories.
In the First inning, England were bowled out in 45 overs; in the second inning, they were bowled out in 37.4 overs. The Proteas gave them a good thrashing.
Nortje’s spell after lunch on day 3 where he took 3 wickets in 10 balls while bowling 150+, completely destroyed England.
Yes, South Africa had the upper hand after the first innings, and yes, their bowling attack is strong, but the match ended more quickly than the hosts had anticipated.
Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table
Elgar stated that his team didn’t care how England had performed recently prior to the game. He chose to bowl after winning the toss Day 1 brought a fifer for KG.
Elgar and Erwee laid a strong foundation to force England on the backfoot, but Stokes inspired his team yesterday after tea. However, Stokes’ team lost its way near the end of the play, when Maharaj and Jansen scored 50 runs in 5 overs at one point. And this morning, they increased their lead to 161.
After this win, South Africa are now at the top of the World Test Championship Points Table. They are now hot favourites to qualify for the finals. While England were already out of the race. South Africa’s win means it puts teams like India and Pakistan under pressure to win their remaining games.
