England rise to third in ICC Test rankings

Although he won both the man-of-the-match and series awards on Monday, Ali took no part in some of the celebrations that followed England captain Joe Root lifting the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy.

Having finished the Proteas off at The Oval with a hat-trick, Moeen was at it again at Old Trafford, claiming 5-9, including two in successive balls at the close, to secure the fourth Test by 177 runs on day four.

Moeen Ali has implored the European Central Bank to employ Saqlain Mushtaq on a permanent basis after his record-breaking series against South Africa.

Earlier, wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, who became the 15th England batsman to be out one short of his century, added 50 runs for the final wicket in alliance with Anderson, helped England post 362 in their first innings.

The result afforded England a convincing three-one series triumph – their first over the Proteas, at home, in nearly two decades.

This four-match series, played in the most English of summers, where rain played a typically prominent role, still saw only one match require the fifth day.

Du Plessis confirmed he had spoken to his own Cricket South Africa employers about a future with or without Domingo still at the helm.

England climb to No. 3 in the Test rankings as a result of the win and have now beaten South Africa – the No. 2-rated side – home and away within the last couple of years.

‘No matter how many wickets I get I’m definitely always going to be a batter, ‘ said Moeen after his man of the series performances in England’s 3-1 victory. It is interesting to note that this performance came in the absence of Dale Steyn, their lead bowler.

“I am really pleased with the way the series has gone”, Root told Sky Sports after England completed back-to-back series wins over South Africa for the first time since 1964.

Australian legend Shane Warne went head-to-head in the 2005 Ashes with Flintoff, making an important 249 runs, and taking a remarkable 40 wickets as the duo was named joint Players of the Series.

Gibson is known to be interested in the post and Du Plessis said: “I have asked the England team on their thoughts on Ottis and they have given me positive feedback”.

England will face Bangladesh in a three match Test series before the Ashes against Australia later this year.

“It’s going to take time to develop if we want to be more consistent and make sure we keep challenging the best teams in the world”.

England were all out for 243 to leave South Africa needing a near-on impossible 380 to win. He has had to take that responsibility for himself and du Plessis said Philander has committed to doing more.

He said: “I only found out from you guys – that’s the first we’d heard of it”.