England 458 (Root 190, Moeen 87, Broad 57*, Stokes 56, Morkel 4-115) and 233 (Cook 69, Bairstow 51, Maharaj 4-85) beat South Africa 361 (Bavuma 59, Elgar 54, Philander 52, de Kock 51, Moeen 4-59) and 119 (Moeen 6-53) by 211 runs
Moeen Ali ripped through South Africa’s batting to give England a 211-run win in the first Test on a wonderfully entertaining fourth day at Lord’s. Off-spinner Moeen took 6-53 for match figures of 10-112.
England were 76-4 on the first morning but brilliant batting from Joe Root (190), Moeen Ali (87), Stuart Broad (57*) and Ben Stokes (56) guided England to a respectable total of 458. Morkel was the pick of the South Africa bowlers with first innings figures of 4-115.
In reply, South Africa hit 361 with Bavuma (59), Elgar (54), Philander (52) and de Kock (51) helping their side to recover from 104-4. Moeen Ali was again England’s main man with the ball taking key wickets of Elgar, Amla, Bavuma and Philander.
[quote cite=””]The win is England’s first in seven Tests and gives Joe Root victory in his first match as captain.[/quote]
Jennings and Cook got England off to a great start in the second innings to extend England’s advantage on the fourth day. However, England went from 139-2 to being bowled out for 233 thanks to some accurate bowling from Maharaj and Rabada.
Having been set 331 to win the first Test, with almost 150 overs in which to get them, South Africa were unable to even take the match into a fifth day. With the pitch offering appreciable assistance for the spin of Moeen and Liam Dawson, they subsided to 119 all out in 36.4 overs, with Temba Bavuma’s 41-ball 21 providing the most prolonged resistance.
Moeen Ali, taking full licence of the attacking brief given him by Root, ran through a mesmerised South Africa batting order to claim 6 for 53 on the way to a maiden ten-wicket haul in Tests.
Ideal Start for Captain Root
Root, the 80th man to lead England in Tests, began his reign as the new captain with a comprehensive win over South Africa despite the early pressure as the host nation was reduced to 76-4 on the first morning. However, the Root was once again instrumental as he hit 190 runs to take England to a total of 458 runs in the first innings – the outcome could have been different had he not been dropped twice and stumped off a no-ball.
[quote cite=””]South Africa had not lost a Test at Lord’s since 1960 but they broke that record in style..[/quote]
Since tea on the first day, England consistently held the upper hand, their decision to play two spinners vindicated by a pitch that has offered huge assistance to the slow bowlers.
South Africa had not lost a Test at Lord’s since 1960 but they broke that record in style.
England unchanged for Trent Bridge
England have named an unchanged squad for Friday’s second Test against South Africa at Trent Bridge, after their 211-run victory at Lord’s.
Squad: Joe Root (capt), Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Toby Roland-Jones.
New England Test captain Joe Root: “It is a nice start, definitely. We have been very good throughout the four days. Everything I asked of the lads, they did. It’s great to go to Trent Bridge 1-0 up.
“It was nice to get the runs too, which is a monkey off the back. But throughout the game we had lots of good partnerships.”
Don’t miss England at Edgbaston
The UK’s first ever Day/Night Test Match will take place at Edgbaston on Thursday 17 – Monday 21 August and we can’t wait to welcome Joe Root, Moeen Ali and the rest of the England squad as well as the new and exciting West Indies team. Demand on tickets has been huge with day two and three of the verge of selling out. We recommend spectators purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.
Tickets are on sale priced at just £6 for Under 16s and £26 for Adults and can be purchased by calling 0844 847 1902 or simply clicking here to buy online.
To make an enquiry about hospitality for England vs West Indies day/night Investec Test Match, please fill out the contact form on the right hand side of this page or call us directly on 0121 222 9057. Please note hospitality packages are sold out for days one and two of the Test.
