Cape Town, July 24: South Africa’s crushing victory by an innings and 12 runs in the first Test against England at The Oval ought to go down as being among their most illustrious ever victories on those shores.
The Proteas victory becomes more significant when acknowledging England’s widely revered status as current world No 1, and the fact that they had never previously lost to South Africa at the Oval.
According to Sport24, the humungous headline act in this Test may have been Hashim Amla’s maiden triple ton by any South African batsman, but just as pleasing in many respects was the broad team effort that went into the victory.
“With there having been some good reason for people to fear that the first Test might prove the Proteas’ toughest of the trio, instead it is England now shrouded in angst and requiring at least some measure of introspection after this ego-bruising,” writes Rob Houwing, Sport24 chief writer.
The next Test ground of Headingley will not hold any special fears for Graeme Smith’s side, as South Africa has won both of their last two fixtures there, in 2008 (by 10 wickets) and 2003 (by 191 runs).
© ANI
