England ended a 10-year wait for a Test win with a commanding 286-run victory over South Africa in Bloemfontein. However, the absence of Decision Review System (DRS) overshadowed the historic moment, raising questions about fairness and cricketing standards in women’s cricket
England’s victory was powered by exceptional batting and disciplined bowling. Batting first, England declared at 395 for 9, led by centuries from Maia Bouchier (126 off 154) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (128 off 145). South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba impressed with figures of 4 for 90.
In response, South Africa managed 281, thanks to captain Laura Wolvaardt’s gritty 65 and Marizanne Kapp’s fluent 57. England’s Lauren Bell shone with the ball, claiming 4 for 49, securing a crucial 114-run first-innings lead.
England’s second innings declaration at 236 for 8 was anchored by Heather Knight’s composed 90. Despite Mlaba’s historic 6 for 67 – making her the first South African woman to claim a 10-wicket haul in Test cricket – England set an imposing target of 351 for the hosts.
🚨 FIRST TEST WIN SINCE JAN 2014 🚨
After five draws and four defeats in their last nine matches, England secured a special win.#CricketTwitter #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/dgXv0aV49z
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 17, 2024
South Africa’s Collapse
South Africa faltered under pressure, collapsing to their lowest-ever Test total of 64. England’s pace attack, led by Lauren Bell (3 for 25), dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup. Only one partnership crossed 20 runs as England’s disciplined bowling sealed the win.
Controversy Over DRS Absence
The absence of DRS became the talking point of the match. A controversial dismissal in South Africa’s second innings saw Annerie Dercksen given out caught at short leg without UltraEdge or similar technology to confirm contact. This was one of several questionable decisions, intensifying criticism over the lack of DRS.
Heather Knight, England’s captain, expressed her dismay:
“I was pretty shocked when I found out in the umpire’s meeting the day before that we weren’t going to have it. It’s a real shame.”
South Africa’s head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, echoed her concerns:
“There was no communication, and I didn’t understand why. It was quite bizarre. But the umpires feel they made the right decision, and we can’t go against that.”
The exclusion of DRS, reportedly a cost-saving measure, highlighted disparities in the resources allocated to women’s cricket. Knight emphasized the impact of such decisions in Test matches, saying:
“Particularly in Test cricket, where wickets are such a premium, it’s a really important thing to have.”
Historic Context
This match marked England’s first Test win since 2014, ending a decade-long drought. It was also the first women’s Test in South Africa in 22 years. Despite these milestones, the absence of DRS highlighted ongoing inequalities in the treatment of women’s cricket compared to the men’s game.
While England’s victory was a cause for celebration, the controversy over decision-review technology left a bitter aftertaste, marring what could have been a landmark occasion for women’s cricket.
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