South Africa vs England: Lauren Bell takes 4-27 to lead visitors to commanding victory

England secured a first Test win since 2014 with a crushing 286-run victory over South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Set an improbable 351 to win, the Proteas crumbled to 64 all out, which is their lowest total in women’s Tests.

Seamer Lauren Bell was the standout for England, taking 4-27, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone finished with 2-7.

England started the day with a lead of 145 and were bowled out for 281 shortly before tea, with captain Heather Knight providing the backbone of the innings with a composed 90.

Faced with a tricky 20-minute spell before the interval, Bell took the key scalp of Laura Wolvaardt for four and fellow seamer Lauren Filer trapped Anneke Bosch in front for the same score.

The turning point came after the break when England appealed for a catch at short leg off Annerie Dercksen, with the on-field umpire initially unmoved.

But the decision was then overturned after a consultation with the third umpire, despite the fact the decision review system (DRS) is not in place for the match.

South Africa were visibly unhappy with the decision and from there they collapsed by losing their final seven wickets for just 42 runs, with Marizanne Kapp’s 21 the only noteable contribution.

The dismal batting effort overshadowed the brilliant bowling effort of spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who took 6-67 to finish with 10 in the match.

The victory ensures England head to January’s Ashes in Australia with plenty of confidence having also won both preceding white-ball series on this tour.

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