Bethell hits first ton as England crush SA

JACOB Bethell hit the first century of his professional career to set England on the way to the their biggest win in ODI history - crushing South Africa by an astonishing 342 runs at the Utilita Bowl.

- By RORY DOLLARD

Back-to-back defeats at Headingley and Lord’s meant they had already lost the Metro Bank Series but their response was utterly comprehensive, as they condemned the tourists to a merciless thrashing.

Bethell’s 110 - a maiden ton fours years in the making - and an even 100 from Joe Root pushed England to an inflated total of 414 for five as they belatedly relocated their white-ball swagger.

But their subsequent dominance with the ball was even more exaggerated as Jofra Archer turned in a sensational new-ball spell and claimed four for 18.

The edges kept coming from South Africa and the catches kept sticking for England, with the game effectively over at seven for four. They eventually subsided for 72 - ending nine down with injured skipper Temba Bavuma unable to bat.

Archer, serving up a relentlessly threatening burst that saw him hit 93mph, looked like he could have wiped out the entire team but had to settle for Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs.