England Come Off Their Long Run

England’s winning run came to a shuddering halt in Cape Town as South Africa inflicted the first defeat on the tourists in 14 Tests.

Michael Vaughan’s record breakers were all out for 304 in their second innings almost 200 short of an always unlikely target.

Graeme Smith’s side out bowled and out batted England during five glorious days at Newlands to level the series 1-1 only a week after almost going 2-0 behind in the five-match series.

"South Africa deserved their victory," said a gracious Vaughan before heading for Johannesburg and the final two Tests in a contest which could go either way as England look for their fourth successive series win.

Andrew Flintfoff survived an injury scare on a rib muscle and is expected to be fit for next week’s Fourth Test in Johannesburg, but Mark Butcher is expected to miss out with an injured wrist.