England Under-19s wrap up series with Falconer-Minto show

Falconer + Minto step up

Both delivered in the decider — whether with bat or ball. They held their nerve in a tight finish to get England over the line. Series sealed. England U19s put together a strong team performance across the series, but Falconer and Minto’s contributions in the final game sealed the win. Bigger picture. Good sign for England’s pathway. Two youngsters putting in match-winning performances under pressure in an international series.

The Proteas had looked slight favourites at half way, after dismissing England for 271, with two balls of their 50 overs remaining. Michael Kruiskamp took 4 for 44, while Caleb Falconer was England's top scorer with 79 and Rocky Flintoff made 55.

In reply Jason Rowles hit 85 for the visitors, but he lacked any significant support and the game turned when England brought on Leicestershire spinner Ali Farooq, who took 3 for 43.

When James Minto removed Knowles, South Africa still needed 112 to win with three wickets remaining and both Minto and Jack Nelson finished with three wickets each as England won with 6.3 overs remaining.

Dropped chanceIt could’ve been worse for England. Sibiya dropped Flintoff on 8 off Kruiskamp. That proved costly. Flintoff + Falconer partnership. Flintoff and Falconer made South Africa pay, putting on 105 for the next wicket and steadying England. Falconer 50, then outFalconer reached his fifty in style — smacking Hanslo back over his head for six.

But he couldn’t convert it. With a ton in sight, he pulled Soni straight to Kruiskamp at backward square. Quick wicketsBowman 12 - hit Pretorius to Miller at long-on. Flintoff 50 - got there steering Pretorius through point. But he followed soon after, hitting Rowles to Miller in almost the same spot at long-on. In short: A 105-run stand between Flintoff and Falconer kept England in control, but both fell after getting starts, and a dropped catch of Flintoff on 8 let England off the hook.

Riley Miller then skied Lumsden and was caught by Bowman, reducing the Proteas to 112 for 6 and James should have gone for two when he hit Farooq to backward point and was spilled by Minto.

With the run rate climbing to nearly eight, Rowles hit Nelson for six over long-on, then again over long-off in the same over, but when Minto returned from the Beckenham End he removed the Proteas' danger man thanks to an outstanding diving grab by Falconer.