Proteas captain Dean Elgar. Photo: AFP

Proteas captain Dean Elgar. Photo: AFP

Proteas crumble against England, on verge of series defeat

The Proteas are set to lose the decisive third Test against England in a disappointing end to their tour of the UK.

Proteas captain Dean Elgar. Photo: AFP

Proteas captain Dean Elgar. Photo: AFP

The Proteas came into the third Test against England with the series level at 1-1, but there have been lingering concerns about the team’s batting strength.

Without injured Temba Bavuma, there has been a real vulnerability to the batting lineup, particularly considering experienced men such as Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram and even Dean Elgar have been battling for runs. It can’t be forgotten that the presence of Quinton de Kock down the order is also missed in red-ball cricket.

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In seamer-friendly conditions at The Oval, England ripped through South Africa’s batsmen on Saturday to bowl them out for just 118. Left with lots to do, the Proteas’ bowling unit once again did a remarkable rescue job to bowl England out for 158.

That got South Africa right back into the game as England only led by 40 runs, but another horrific collapse saw the Proteas go from 83-1 to 169 all out. The rot started after Dean Elgar opted to walk after an LBW decision which was shown to be going down leg, but he bizarrely decided against a review.

At the close of play on Sunday, the Proteas bowlers looked exhausted as England were able to power to 97 without loss before bad light saw play called off with the hosts needing just 33 runs to win. Those runs will undoubtedly be knocked off with ease within the first hour on Monday.

Just to recap, day two of the Test at The Oval on Friday was called off due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and it remained unclear whether the Test could be cancelled outright.

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Numerous sports fixtures across England were postponed or called off this weekend, but on Friday it was confirmed that the Test would resume and pay tribute to the Queen.

The hosts ultimately stepped up to the occasion and needed just two days to power to a stunning victory that has left the Proteas with plenty of questions to answer, particularly in terms of their batting woes.

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UPDATED PROTEAS TEST SQUAD AGAINST ENGLAND 

Dean Elgar (captain, Titans), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Simon Harmer (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper, Western Province), Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors)  

South Africa tour to England itinerary 

Tests 

17-21 August   

England lost to South Africa by an innings and 12 runs – Lord’s Cricket Ground, London   

25 – 29 August   

England beat South Africa by an innings and 85 runs – Old Trafford, Manchester   

8-12 September  

England need 33 runs to win – The Oval, South London

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