South Africa vs England Tests 2022: England Won 2–1 — Rabada & Broad 14 Wickets Each
South Africa toured England for a three-match Test series in August–September 2022. South Africa won the first Test at Lord's by an innings and 12 runs (England 165 & 149, South Africa 326), with Kagiso Rabada taking 5-52 and Anrich Nortje 3-63 in England's first innings. England levelled at Manchester in the second Test, winning by an innings and 85 runs. England clinched the series 2–1 at The Oval in the third Test, winning by 9 wickets (South Africa 118 & 169, England 158 & 130/1). Ollie Pope scored 179 runs across the series. Stuart Broad and Kagiso Rabada each took 14 wickets. Ben Stokes was named Player of the Series. Sarel Erwee was South Africa's leading run-scorer with 127 runs. England were captained by Ben Stokes (his first home series as Test captain); South Africa by Dean Elgar.
South Africa toured England for a three-match Test series in August and September 2022, marking Ben Stokes's first home series as England's Test captain under head coach Brendon McCullum. The series represented an early test for England's 'Bazball' aggressive approach, and South Africa — captained by Dean Elgar — arrived with high hopes. The first Test began at Lord's on 17 August 2022. South Africa dominated from the start: Kagiso Rabada bowled with exceptional pace and hostility, taking 5 for 52 in England's first innings of 165. Anrich Nortje contributed 3 for 63. South Africa posted 326 in reply — Sarel Erwee top-scored with 73 and shared an 85-run opening partnership with Dean Elgar. England were bowled out for 149 in their second innings, leaving South Africa to win by an innings and 12 runs in just three days. Rabada's five-wicket haul at Lord's placed his name on the Lord's honours board — a landmark for any international bowler. The result was a sobering opening for England's new Test era.
England Level at Manchester and Clinch at The Oval
The second Test at Old Trafford, Manchester (25–27 August 2022) swung heavily in England's favour. England won by an innings and 85 runs, levelling the series at 1–1. The third and deciding Test took place at The Oval from 8–12 September 2022. South Africa were bowled out for 118 in their first innings — a collapse England's bowlers ruthlessly exploited. England replied with 158 to take a first-innings lead. South Africa were then dismissed for 169 in their second innings, setting England a target of just 130 to win the series. England knocked off the runs for the loss of 1 wicket — winning by 9 wickets to take the series 2–1. Ollie Pope was England's standout batter across the three Tests with 179 runs. Stuart Broad took 14 wickets across the series — the same tally as South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, who finished as the leading wicket-taker for his side despite the defeat. Sarel Erwee ended as South Africa's leading run-scorer with 127. Ben Stokes was named Player of the Series for his all-round leadership and contributions with bat and ball.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the England vs South Africa Test series in 2022 and what were the results?
England won the South Africa vs England 2022 Test series 2–1. South Africa won the first Test at Lord's by an innings and 12 runs (England 165 & 149, South Africa 326; Kagiso Rabada 5-52). England won the second Test at Manchester by an innings and 85 runs. England won the third Test at The Oval by 9 wickets (South Africa 118 & 169, England 158 & 130/1). Ben Stokes was named Player of the Series. Stuart Broad and Kagiso Rabada each took 14 wickets. Ollie Pope scored 179 runs for England.
What was Kagiso Rabada's performance in the 2022 South Africa vs England Test series?
Kagiso Rabada took 14 wickets across the three-match Test series in England in 2022 — the joint-highest in the series alongside Stuart Broad. In the first Test at Lord's, Rabada took 5 for 52 in England's first innings, earning him a place on the Lord's honours board. Despite his outstanding bowling, South Africa lost the series 2–1. Dean Elgar captained South Africa; Ben Stokes captained England.