SM
Sports Mole words bigger AMP 2
Monday, January 13
Upcoming predictions and previews

On this day: England record unexpected win over South Africa

:Headline: On this day: England record unexpected win over South Africa: ID:243177: from db_amp
Twelve years ago today, England defied the odds to beat South Africa by nine wickets at The Oval.

It was a transitional South Africa side, captained by a youthful Graeme Smith, that toured England during the summer of 2003.

Nevertheless, despite having made a number of alterations heading into the five-Test series, the Proteas were in command courtesy of a 2-1 lead as the two teams headed to The Oval for the final encounter.

OTD: England record unexpected win

What's more, when they ended day one on 362-4, it seemed that any chance hosting England had of levelling the series was gone. The bookmakers certainly believed that was the case, with some offering odds of 40-1 on a victory for Michael Vaughan's men.

Yet, over the next three days, England started to provide suggestions that they could pull off the unthinkable. Their 604-9 declared had put them in command, meaning that when South Africa resumed on the final day - 12 years ago today - they were under pressure on 185-6, which was a lead of just 65 runs.

There had been talk that the South African tail would wag, but in just the fourth over of play, England bowler Martin Bicknell had removed two batsmen in consecutive deliveries.

Mark Boucher was first to go for 25 when he edged an outswinger to Alec Stewart, before his replacement Andrew Hall spooned the first ball that he had faced straight to Ed Smith at midwicket.

Fully aware that he was running out of partners, Shaun Pollock started to swing his bat more freely in the hope that runs could be piled onto the South African total swiftly. But, having reached 43, his luck ran out when he was caught by Graham Thorpe off the bowling of Steve Harmison.

The same bowler claimed the wicket of Makhaya Ntini soon after, which meant that the tourists had been dismissed for 229. It left England with a victory target of just 110 - something that would have been difficult to fathom at stumps on the first day.

In reply, skipper Vaughan's poor form with the bat continued when he fell to Jacques Kallis for 13, but that would be the only wicket that England lost as Marcus Trescothick (69) and Mark Butcher (20) secured one of their nation's most famous victories of recent times by nine wickets.

OTD: England record unexpected win

Speaking after the celebrations, Vaughan said: "Throughout my short career to date this is my best Test victory.

"[South Africa] were 362-4 after the first day on a good batting pitch and to show the character we did and come back was a fantastic team effort. Steve Harmison was fantastic and Martin Bicknell on his home ground was exceptional."

Meanwhile, match-winner Trescothick, who had scored 219 in the first innings, added: "It's just been a great gig and a great game of cricket for all of us.

"I've worked hard on my game throughout the whole series. I've had some tough wickets to bat on and things haven't always gone my way. This time I got a bit of luck along the way - that's the way it goes."

amp_article__243177 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2015-09-08 11:26:10:
html db last update - 2015-09-08 11:26:10 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .