Eng skipper Root equals unwanted record in the 3rd Test against SA

During the 82nd over of the South African second innings, Root faced thrashing at the hands of South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Port Elizabeth: England skipper Joe Root on Monday equalled the record for the most runs conceded in an over in Test cricket during the third Test against South Africa here.

During the 82nd over of the South African second innings, Root faced thrashing at the hands of South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj, who started off by slamming three consecutive boundaries off the first three deliveries before hitting two balls into the park. The last ball went for four byes as Root's over resulted in 28 runs.

By giving 28 runs, Root equalled the world record of conceding most runs off a single over in Test history. Previously, former South African all-rounder Robin Peterson and England pacer James Anderson had also conceded 28 runs in a single over.

Most runs conceded in an over in Test cricket

England thrash South Africa in 3rd Test

Meanwhile, the hosts lost the third Test by an innings and 53 runs as England took a 2-1 lead in the series.

England bowlers bundled out Proteas, who were following on, for 237 runs in their second innings.

English skipper Root and Mark Wood picked up four and three wickets respectively.

After managing just 209 runs in their first essay, the hosts failed to draw any lessons after being asked to follow-on.

The hosts resumed their innings from 102/6 on day five.

South Africa added 135 runs in losing their last four wickets, which seemed unlikely when Vernon Philander chipped a catch to midwicket off Stuart Broad three balls into the day.

Tailender Keshav Maharaj delayed the end as he had a 99-run partnership with Dane Paterson for the last wicket.

England celebrates wicket

The partnership between Maharaj and Paterson was easily South Africa's best of the match and showed up an otherwise poor batting performance by the hosts."

Maharaj's resistance was cut short by Sam Curran's direct hit from mid-on. He made 71 runs. Vernon Philander (13), Kagiso Rabada (16), and Anrich Nortje (5) were all sent back to the pavilion cheaply.

Earlier, the English team scored 499 runs in their first innings and bundled out Africa for 209 in their first innings.

File image of Ollie Pope

Ollie Pope who played an unbeaten knock of 135 runs was awarded player of the match.

The final match of the series will be played in Johannesburg from January 24.