South Africa has celebrated becoming the world’s number one Test cricket nation after completing a 2-0 series victory away to England on Monday.
The Proteas won the Third Test at Lord’s by 51 runs, but not after a late scare from England’s bottom order who threatened to reach the target of 345, before Vernon Philander’s decisive late spell.
England’s final innings’ run chase appeared improbable after slumping to 4/46 and 7/208, before wicketkeeper/batsman Matt Prior put together a spirited partnership with bowler Graeme Swann before the latter was run out by Jacques Rudolph.
Shortly after Prior would nick a Philander delivery to Proteas skipper Graeme Smith at first slip, before tailender Steve Finn was dismissed the next ball as South Africa celebrated a huge triumph.
Smith told reporters afterwards: “We’re pretty humble about this whole thing. I don’t think there will be too many flashy things happening with our team going forward.
“The initial achievement is of coming to England and winning 2-0. But the number one is something we’ve pushed for, and it will take a few nights for us to reflect on that.
“From a personal perspective, last year was an extremely tough year. So to come back like I have and have these milestones means a lot. I need time to reflect on them.”
The Proteas’ next challenge is a three-Test series away to Australia who could usurp them at the top with a big victory.
“We’ve got Australia next and that’s going to be an awesome challenge for us,” Smith said.
“That’s the nice thing about international cricket at the moment – there are a lot of outstanding sides. I think there’s a real sense of excitement and happiness, but a calmness and a belief, rather than a hope, that we’re going to carry it on.
“We need to have a strong enough base so that when the wind blows, we can handle ourselves.”