SOUTH AFRICA v ENGLAND WONDERS

Dynamic duo Pope and Bess lead way as England’s brilliant young guns have skipper Root dreaming of golden future

THE Kids Are Alright – in fact, they are much better than that.

England secured a thumping third Test win over South Africa with a direct run out from 21-year-old Sam Curran to leave skipper Joe Root dreaming of a bright future.

And the innings and 53-run victory made sure the Basil D’oliveira trophy is retained thanks to a 2-1 lead in the four match series and it was secured on the back of outstanding performances from two players aged just 22.

Ollie Pope picked up the manof-the-match gong for a maiden Test hundred that has been expected from the moment he was first selected for England two years ago.

Dom Bess’ first five-wicket haul was a little less planned since he was not originally picked for this tour and only joined in as cover for the ill Jack Leach, but he is making the most of his chance.

It is the blend of youth and experience in the shape of Ben

Stokes, at the heart of these two wins, that has Root excited about the future and his attempt to take England back to No.1.

“That’s the journey we’re on,” said Root (below, with Stokes). “That’s what we’re planning to be, but it’s not going to happen overnight, there will be bumps in the road.

“We’re going to get it wrong on occasions, especially with a young group of players, but as long as the group is willing to learn and put it in time and time again we will win games.

“That’s the sort of attitude you need consistently if you want to keep improving and want to get to No.1 in the world.

“By no means are we the finished article, we’ve got a long way to go as a team, but we’re heading in the right direction.”

How Pope, Bess, and fellow bright young things Zak Crawley, Dom Sibley and Curran have got here is largely irrelevant, as long as they continue to shine as they have in the last two matches.

We should not forget Jofra Archer either, who at 24 is still at the start of his career and who kept England in the fight in Centurion despite not playing any warm-up matches because of illness.

It makes you wonder what the scoreline might read now had England had a fully fit, wellprepared team for that first Test rather than one being taken down by Quinton de Kock and quarantine.

Root is feeling energised by the youth in his side, but along with Stokes, the impact of Mark Wood bowling consistently fast was a huge boost.

Stuart Broad played his part in wrapping up the first innings, while Root’s willingness to bowl himself paid off brilliantly on day four, even if it was brought back down to earth on day five when his final over went for a record-equalling 28.

“We’ve had four guys under 25 making hundreds or taking fivefors on this tour and that’s a great place to be,” added Root.

“We’ve got a really clear way of how we’re trying to play and we’ve executed that brilliantly.”