England beat S Africa by 241 runs

England beat S Africa by 241 runs

England claimed six wickets for just 38 runs on day five of the first Test against South Africa to seal an emphatic 241-run win in Durban, reports BBC. South Africa resumed on 136-4 in search of a distant 416 but lost four wickets for seven runs in the first nine overs. Moeen Ali removed dangerman AB de Villiers with the third ball and Steven Finn finished with 4-42 as the hosts were all out before lunch for 174. The second of the four-match series begins in Cape Town on Saturday. It was only England's second Test victory away from home since 2012 and their largest in terms of runs against South Africa since the Proteas were readmitted to international cricket in 1991. In contrast it was a fourth defeat in the past five Tests for South Africa, whose position at the top of the Test rankings is under increasing threat from India. The South Africans have gone seven matches without a Test victory, which equals their longest run without a win since their readmission. In the 138-year history of Test cricket, only three teams have avoided defeat from being four wickets down on the final day. And it soon became apparent South Africa would not alter that statistic when star batsman De Villiers missed a turning off-break from Moeen and was given out lbw and upheld on review.

South Africa vs England: Joe Root helps tourists press for victory

Joe Root hit 60 not out as England tightened their grip on the first Test against South Africa in Durban. The tourists are 172-3 in their second innings - a lead of 261 - and will aim to declare on Tuesday, then set about bowling the hosts out. Earlier, Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad took four wickets apiece as South Africa's batting line-up fell apart. Hashim Amla's men also dropped three catches on a disastrous third day for the number one ranked Test side. The Proteas' senior fast bowler Dale Steyn was forced off with injury, star batsman AB de Villiers failed to quash rumours of his Test retirement, and the middle order surrendered meekly. Opener Dean Elgar resisted with a superb unbeaten 118, but England remain in an excellent position to push for only a second win in 16 away Tests.

South Africa vs England: James Taylor positive after fightback

England's batsmen can build on their opening day fightback against South Africa in the first Test, according to James Taylor. After losing three early wickets, the 25-year-old helped guide the tourists to 179-4 at the close. Taylor fell late on for 70, with Nick Compton 63 not out. "That wasn't ideal, my late wicket, but that happens and we've still got plenty of batting to come, which is really exciting," Taylor told . "We're in a nice position. We've got Compo in there who's batting extremely nicely, and we all know how good a nick Ben Stokes is in at the moment, with plenty of batting to come. "So I think, as a whole, it's been a pretty solid day for ourselves." England Tests in South Africa 26-30 December: 1st Test, Durban 2-6 January: 2nd Test, Cape Town (08:30 GMT) 14-18 January: 3rd Test, Wanderers, Johannesburg (08:30 GMT) 22-26 January: 4th Test, Centurion (08:30 GMT) Taylor arrived at the crease with England struggling at 49 for three, after captain Alastair Cook fell for a duck, debutant opener Alex Hales made just 10 and Joe Root was trapped lbw for 24. South Africa paceman Dale Steyn had claimed both openers but steady half-centuries from Taylor and Compton - who both made Test debuts in 2012 before being dropped - drew the sting form the home side's attack. "We knew what the situation meant and it kind of dictated the way we played," said Taylor, whose partnership with Compton contributed 125 runs for the fourth wicket. "We kept it really simple and did exactly what we needed to do and focused on our own game rather than the situation as a whole. It was really enjoyable batting with Compo, it was good fun. "We should be pretty happy with that considering it couldn't have been better bowling conditions for them."

South Africa vs England: Chris Woakes to start in first Test

Chris Woakes will replace the injured James Anderson in England's bowling attack when the four-match series against South Africa begins in Durban on Saturday. Warwickshire's Woakes will play his first Test match in 16 months, after Anderson suffered a calf injury. Alex Hales, 26, is set to make his Test debut and will be the eighth opener to partner Alastair Cook since 2012. South Africa are ranked number one but lost their last series in India 3-0. An England victory by any scoreline would see South Africa lose top spot to India, while only a win will ensure captain Alastair Cook's men improve their ranking of sixth. However, England have won only one series in South Africa since the Proteas were readmitted to Test cricket in 1991 and Cook's side have triumphed only once in their last 15 overseas Tests.

' Leicester Tigers move 'fantastic''

Former South Africa captain Jean de Villiers is already convinced he made a "fantastic" decision to join Leicester. The centre, who earned 109 international caps, has yet to play for Tigers after breaking his jaw during the pool stages of the 2015 World Cup. But, while he will not feature in the home Boxing Day game against Newcastle, De Villiers is almost ready to play and is still enjoying his new surroundings. "The club is a great organisation," the 34-year-old told BBC Radio Leicester. "But I have just been quite frustrated at not getting on the field yet." De Villiers initially turned down a move to Welford Road because he did not think it was the "right fit". However, after talking to a number of people with links to Tigers - including former Leicester and Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer - De Villiers changed his mind.

Steve Smith wins cricketer and Test cricketer award

Australia captain Steve Smith has been named cricketer of the year and Test cricketer of the year by the International Cricket Council. He becomes the fourth Australian to lift the Sir Garfield Sobers trophy after Ricky Ponting,Mitchell Johnson and Michael Clarke. South Africa's AB de Villiers won the ODI cricketer of the year award for the second year in a row. Australia captain Meg Lanning was named the Women's ODI cricketer of the year. Smith, 26, was the sixth highest run-scorer in Australia's triumphant World Cup campaign this year, with 402 runs at an average of 67, and made 1,734 in 13 Tests, at an average of 82.57. He succeeded Clarke as skipper of the national team and led his side to a 2-0 Test series win over New Zealand last month. Englishman Richard Kettleborough was named umpire of the year for the third time.

South Africa vs England: Why can't England find an opening batsman?

Nine of the 25 most prolific openers in Test cricket history are English - more than any other nation. Six of those nine were fixtures in the side, so much so that in the 51 years since Geoffrey Boycott made his debut in 1964, at least one of Boycott, Graham Gooch, Mike Atherton, Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss or Alastair Cook has opened in 79% (442) of England's 561 Tests. But that lineage appears, for now at least, to be in danger of dying out with Cook. Since Strauss retired in 2012, Cook has gone through seven different partners, with Alex Hales set to become the eighth in the first Test against South Africa starting on 26 December. How have England, the home of technically correct, gritty, sell-your-grandma-before-you-sell-your-wicket openers - raised against the moving ball on pitches greener than a snooker table - found themselves in such a state of flux at the top of the order?

Anderson injury doubt for first Test

 England pace bowler James Anderson is a doubt for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa with a calf injury. Anderson, England's leading wicket-taker in Tests, was sent for scans on Tuesday after suffering tightness in his right calf muscle. A decision on his involvement in the first Test in Durban is unlikely to be taken until Thursday. The 33-year-old was rested for England's victory over South Africa A in their final warm-up game. Having experienced soreness in his calf since the start of the tour, Anderson has bowled only five overs, in a 13-a-side match against a South Africa Invitational XI last week. Anderson, who has taken 426 wickets in 110 Tests, missed the final two Tests of England's Ashes triumph over Australia this summer with a side strain. England face South Africa, the top-ranked Test side, in a four-match series with the second Test in Cape Town starting two days after the first is due to end. If Anderson is ruled out, England are likely to call on two of Chris Woakes, Steven Finn, Chris Jordan or Mark Footitt to join Stuart Broad in the pace attack.

Dale Steyn passed fit for South Africa series against England

South Africa paceman Dale Steyn will be fit for the Test series with England after passing a fitness test. The 32-year-old, the number one ranked Test bowler, has been out of action with a groin strain since the first Test against India in early November. But in Cape Town this week he was able to complete two bowling spells at match intensity in the nets, run sprints and do agility tests and fielding drills. The first of the four-match Test series begins in Durban on 26 December. Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: "Dale has put a lot of work into his training and rehab since his return from India so we are very happy to have him back from injury. "He was put through a thorough fitness test on Thursday by physiotherapist, Shane Jabaar, he came through the tests without any discomfort and will be available for selection for the first Test match against England." Steyn has taken 402 wickets in 81 Tests at an average of 22.56, including 46 in 11 matches against England. South Africa remain at the top of the Test rankings despite a 3-0 defeat in India this month.

South Africa women's sevens denied 2016 Rio Olympics berth

South Africa will not field a women's sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics despite qualifying for the tournament by winning the African title. Under South African Olympic Committee (SASCOC) rules, teams are not able to qualify by winning continental titles. Their women's sevens team will therefore not be in Rio, with African runners-up Kenya competing instead. "We are extremely disappointed for our Springbok women," said South African rugby chief Oregan Hoskins. "We placed our top players on a full-time programme two years ago and they are trailblazers for professional women's sport and rugby in South Africa.

England opener Alex Hales fails again in South Africa warm-up

England opener Alex Hales made another low score on day two of their three-day tour match against a South Africa Invitation XI in Potchefstroom. Having made eight in the first innings, Hales took 42 balls to make the same score when England batted again. England declared on their overnight 470-5 and bowled the home side out for 188, with Stuart Broad taking 3-18 and uncapped left-armer Mark Footitt 2-51. Alastair Cook made 37 and Joe Root an unbeaten 26 as England closed on 99-3. Hales, who made his maiden one-day international century in the series with Pakistan last month, is expected to become the eighth man tried at the top of the Test order since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012 when the first of four Tests against South Africa begins in Durban on 26 December. But the 26-year-old Nottinghamshire batsman, uncapped at Test level, was again dismissed by paceman Junior Dala as his backward defensive shot cannoned into his stumps.

Steven Finn joins England squad for South Africa Tests

Steven Finn has been brought into England's Test squad in South Africa after recovering from a foot injury. The 26-year-old Middlesex fast bowler missed the series against Pakistan in October and November because of a bone stress injury. But he returned to action this weekend for England Lions in the United Arab Emirates, playing in two Twenty20 matches. Finn is not expected to feature in the first Test in Durban on Boxing Day. "I've been really pleased with the way things have gone with the Lions," he said. "I've bowled my overs and my foot has come through fine. I'm excited by the prospect of linking up with the team out in South Africa." England play the first of two warm-up matches on Tuesday against a South Africa Invitational XI, starting at 08:30 GMT.

HSBC Cape Town Sevens: Springboks shrug off Kenya loss to retain title

Host and defending champion South Africa claimed the Cape Town round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series with a five-try 29-14 win over Argentina in the final Sunday. The pace of Seabelo Senatla and Rosko Speckman, who grabbed two tries apiece, combined with the guile of man of the final Justin Geduld undid the brave challenge of the Pumas in front of a vociferous 55,000 capacity home crowd. It completed a turnaround for the Springboks after losing to Kenya in the pool stage Saturday and needing to beat England 10-0 in a decider to make the quarterfinals.

Ireland to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2016 one-day series

Ireland will play one-day series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Dublin in 2016. Malahide will host Sri Lanka on 16 and 18 June, and Pakistan on 18 and 20 August. Ireland have lost both their completed ODIs against Sri Lanka, while their only win in six attempts against Pakistan came in the 2007 World Cup. Ireland also face South Africa on 25 September and Australia on 27 September, with both games in Benoni.

South Africa vs England: AB de Villiers to keep in first two Tests

AB de Villiers will keep wicket for South Africa in the first two Tests of the home series against England. The hosts have not named another keeper in their 13-man squad for the first Test in Durban on 26 December and the second in Cape Town on 2 January. De Villiers, 31, has kept in 23 of his 102 Tests, most recently against West Indies in January. Cricket South Africa said the move was to boost the side's batting depth after the recent 3-0 series defeat in India.

South Africa vs England: AB de Villiers to keep in first two Tests

 

 AB de Villiers will keep wicket for South Africa in the first two Tests of the home series against England. The hosts have not named another keeper in their 13-man squad for the first Test in Durban on 26 December and the second in Cape Town on 2 January. De Villiers, 31, has kept in 23 of his 102 Tests, most recently against West Indies in January. Cricket South Africa said the move was to boost the side's batting depth after the recent 3-0 series defeat in India. De Villiers, who is third in the International Cricket Council Test batting rankings, has scored 7,864 runs at an average of 51.39. Wicketkeeper Dane Vilas has been dropped after his struggles with the bat and gloves in India, while Quinton de Kock also misses out. With seamer Vernon Philander still injured, Kyle Abbott retains his place in the pace attack alongside Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada. Uncapped batsman Rilee Rossouw is also included, with off-spinner Dane Piedt selected as the only specialist spinner ahead of Simon Harmer and Imran Tahir. England face the number one-ranked Test side in a four-Test series before five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals. South Africa squad for first two Tests: Hashim Amla (capt), AB de Villiers (wk), Kyle Abbott, Temba Bavuma, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.

South Africa vs England: AB de Villiers to keep in first two Tests

 

 AB de Villiers kept wicket against England in 2012 AB de Villiers will keep wicket for South Africa in the first two Tests of the home series against England. The hosts have not named another keeper in their 13-man squad for the first Test in Durban on 26 December and the second in Cape Town on 2 January. De Villiers, 31, has kept in 23 of his 102 Tests, most recently against West Indies in January. Cricket South Africa said the move was to boost the side's batting depth after the recent 3-0 series defeat in India. De Villiers, who is third in the International Cricket Council Test batting rankings, has scored 7,864 runs at an average of 51.39. Wicketkeeper Dane Vilas has been dropped after his struggles with the bat and gloves in India, while Quinton de Kock also misses out. With seamer Vernon Philander still injured, Kyle Abbott retains his place in the pace attack alongside Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada. Uncapped batsman Rilee Rossouw is also included, with off-spinner Dane Piedt selected as the only specialist spinner ahead of Simon Harmer and Imran Tahir. England face the number one-ranked Test side in a four-Test series before five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals. South Africa squad for first two Tests: Hashim Amla (capt), AB de Villiers (wk), Kyle Abbott, Temba Bavuma, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl.