Twitter Reactions: England take unassailable series lead after Keshav Maharaj blitz

By the end of the fourth day’s play in Port Elizabeth, England were already on the brink of victory. Trailing by 188 runs with four wickets in hand, South Africa had the odds against them at the St George’s Park. The Proteas batters showed fight, but in the end, the Three Lions won by an innings and 53 runs. Most importantly, they took an unassailable lead going into the Johannesburg Test.

Broad removes Philander early

Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj are no mugs with the bat, but they were up for a mammoth task. To the hosts’ dismay, the duo was separated in the very first over of the day. Stuart Broad bowled a full-length ball and all Philander could do was lob one to Ollie Pope at short mid-wicket. Philander’s wicket was a crucial one since he has shown a fair amount of resistance in the series.

Kagiso Rabada came in and didn’t die wondering. He started with a streaky boundary off Broad. He further rode his luck after Dominic Sibley at the gully region. Rabada then deposited Joe Root over long-on to give the home team something to cheer for. But soon after, Mark Wood cut short his knock. Rabada have a simple catch to Broad at mid-on and perished after scoring 16 off 24 balls.

Keshav Maharaj entertains

Anrich Nortje tried hard for 19 balls before Dominic Bess castled him. The batter played down the wrong line and the leather cannoned into his off-and-middle stump. At the other end, Maharaj didn’t give up the ghost. Despite seeing wickets go down at the other end, he held his ground. He smacked Root down the ground for a four to start his day and then collected a four off Wood.

Dane Paterson was the last man in at a situation when the game was all over, barring some supernatural occurring. In the 82nd over, Maharaj smacked three fours and a six off Joe Root, who gave away 28 runs in the over. He got to his fifty off 90 balls and went on to score 71 with 10 fours and three sixes. Dane Paterson scored 39 in 99-run stand with Maharaj, but the Brits got home.

Here is how Twitterati lauded England for the win: –

I absolutely love watching @DanePaterson44 bat 😎😂

Also… top knock @keshavmaharaj16 👏

Keep believing in the team… I'm sure the boys will bounce back at the wanderers 🙏

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) January 20, 2020

STUNNING performance from, @englandcricket!

Bravo 👏🏻

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 20, 2020

From 0-1 to 2-1, magnificent effort from England especially from the young guns like Dom Bess, Ollie Pope and experience of Ben Stokes. Lots of things to be happy for this Joe Root lead England team. #SAvENG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 20, 2020

England have been battered around this morning – and won by an innings and 53. Funny old game etc.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) January 20, 2020

D Paterson's 39* is the highest score by a No 11 at St George's Park beating AJ Fothergill's 32 for England in South Africa's Inaugural Test on 12 March 1889#SAvEng

— Arthur_S (@allanholloway) January 20, 2020

Since the first Test defeat to South Africa, England have:

– Declared twice
– Enforced a follow-on
– Won by 189 runs
– Won by an innings and 53 runs#SAvENG pic.twitter.com/TtJOm5Vjfb

— bet365 (@bet365) January 20, 2020

That was fun while it lasted but England have finally won by an innings and 53. #SAvEng

— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) January 20, 2020

Innings defeats for SA at home since re-admission

inngs & 196 runs vs Aus Johannesburg 1996/97
inngs & 360 runs vs Aus Johannesburg 2001/02
inngs & 98 runs vs Eng Durban 2009/10
inngs & 53 runs vs Eng Port Elizabeth 2019/20 *#SAvENG

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) January 20, 2020

THAT IS THAT – A run out! Curran from mid-on gets the direct hit to end Maharaj's (71) fun. England win by an innings and 53 runs and are 2-1 up in the series with one to play.

— Dean Wilson (@CricketMirror) January 20, 2020

England coming up in the World Test Championship, good to see the fight between few teams. #SAvENG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 20, 2020

Outstanding all round performance from the boys!! Excellent win!! #SAvENG 🔥👌

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) January 20, 2020

Bit of fun this morning for SA but shouldn’t detract from what has been an excellent win for England, particularly given the players they have missing #SAvsENG

— Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket) January 20, 2020

Most consecutive Tests without a DRAW

27 South Africa (2017-present) *
26 Zimbabwe (2005-17)
23 Australia (1999-2001)
22 England (1884-92)
22 Australia (2001-03)
22 Pakistan (2015-18)#SAvENG

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) January 20, 2020