South Africa vs England: Joe Root believes tourists are ‘more than capable’ of series win

London Evening Standard

England could not have timed their arrival in South Africa today any better. For although the hosts are still the No1 Test team they are reeling from one of the most chastening defeats in their history.

South Africa’s 3-0 drubbing in India, completed on Monday, was their first overseas Test series loss since 2006. It was Hashim Amla’s first series defeat as Test captain and the country’s worst batting performance since 1912. By contrast, although England also lost their autumn Test series against Pakistan, they came close to winning one match and ended the tour on a high, taking the one-day series and the T20s.