CSA congratulates South African team for victory at Oval

Johannesburg, July 24 (ANI): Cricket South Africa (CSA) has congratulated the Proteas on their brilliant innings and 12 runs victory over England in the first Test match the Oval in London.

"There is still much work to be done to clinch the series," commented CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul, "and taking things day by day has become a hallmark of the team under the leadership of Gary Kirsten.

"But this is a moment to celebrate what has been a wonderful team performance of high quality and intensity. There have been standout performances from Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn but there have also been many unsung heroes," he said.

"This is the first time England have lost a home Test match by an innings in three years and The Oval has been a ground where England have previously been almost invincible," Sport24 quoted him, as saying.

The victory is South Africa's first in 11 matches at The Oval and they had previously lost all three Tests at the south London venue since returning to international cricket in 1991.

"I would like to single out the captaincy of Graeme Smith who timed his declaration to perfection and allowed our bowlers plenty of time to finish the job," said Faul. (ANI)