ENGLAND took all of 5.3 overs on the final morning of the third Test, in London, to wrap up the formalities and march to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over South Africa, thereby completing a thumping come-from-behind 2-1 series win.

When bad light forced stumps early on Day 4, England needed only 33 more, and despite losing Alex Lees in the third over of the morning, were always poised to clinch the trophy.

The opener was offered two reprieves in the space of three deliveries, with the outside edges evading fielders in the first two overs. Kagiso Rabada finally reviewed a LBW call, originally turned down on-field, to find a consolation wicket for the visitors.

(Final scores: England 158 & 130/1 (Zak Crawley 69*, Alex Lees 39; Kagiso Rabada 1-57) beat South Africa 110 and 169 by 9 wickets).

Zak Crawley, who hit a 36-ball fifty yesterday – his first of the season – scored the winning runs with a firm punch through the covers for four, and the hosts marched to the easy win in under half an hour. The third Test had lost the opening day to rain and saw play being suspended the following morning due to the passing of the Queen.

England have picked up the six points from the game, but remain put on seventh spot in the Test Championship rankings and likewise, South Africa (72) are still second, behind Australia (84).Cricbuzz)