Vernon Philander’s all-round heroics gives South Africa 340 run win over England

South Africa took full advantage of an abject England batting display on Monday to complete an easy 340-run win in the second test to level the series 1-1 with two games left to play.

Instead of mounting the required rearguard action, England collapsed to 133 all out, with the last three wickets falling without the addition of a run, as the spectators at Trent Bridge watched in stunned silence.

The wickets were shared among four bowlers with Vernon Philander (3-24), Keshav Maharj (3-42) and Chris Morris (2-7) taking the honours.

Alastair Cook top scored with 42.

England were 79 for four at lunch on the fourth day, with all their top four dismissed in Monday’s morning session.

They needed a further 395 runs to reach a huge winning total of 474 but that now appeared to be a purely notional target.

Philander removed left-handers Keaton Jennings (three) and Gary Ballance (four) during a burst of two wickets for eight runs in 19 balls.

Recalled all-rounder Morris followed up with two for two in 20 balls to dismiss England captain Joe Root (eight) and former skipper Alastair Cook (42).

Jonny Bairstow was 12 not out and Ben Stokes five not out at lunch.

The most made by any side to …read more