London, Aug 20: South Africa has dethroned England as the world's top-ranked test side after winning the third test by 51 runs on an electrifying final day at Lord's.
Vernon Philander took 5-30 as the Proteas dismissed England for 294 on the fifth day to secure a 2-0 series win and with it the mace the ICC awards the top-ranked team—but only after an exhilarating fight from England's lower order.
Needing 346 to win, Matt Prior and Graeme Swann put on 74 from 66 balls before Swann was run out for 41.
Prior was caught off a no ball before he fell to Philander for 73 and Philander removed Steven Finn with his next ball to complete the thrilling win.
Vernon Philander took 5-30 as the Proteas dismissed England for 294 on the fifth day to secure a 2-0 series win and with it the mace the ICC awards the top-ranked team—but only after an exhilarating fight from England's lower order.
Needing 346 to win, Matt Prior and Graeme Swann put on 74 from 66 balls before Swann was run out for 41.
Prior was caught off a no ball before he fell to Philander for 73 and Philander removed Steven Finn with his next ball to complete the thrilling win.
