Steyn Claimed 5 wickets South Africa by an innings

Dale Steyn claimed 5 for 56 to help bowl South Africa to a complete innings and 12-run victory over England before tea on the 5th day of the 1st cricket test at The Oval on Monday.

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series, fuel their hopes of winning the series and leapfrogging England as the number one team in the world rankings.

Steyn wrapped up England's 2nd innings with a fiery burst with the 2nd new ball of three for 8 in his 4-over spell as England were bowled out for 240, replying to the Proteas' only innings of 637 for 2 declared. In bright, sunny conditions, Ian Bell tried to save a draw with his thorough innings of 55 in 220 balls, his slowest test 50, but, like his team mates, he could not stay in.

It was a crushing win for South Africa, in particular after England closed day one on 267 for 3 but then failed to capitalise. Hashim Amla plunders a national record 311 not out in more than 13 hours at the crease in his team's huge total. Jacques Kallis also made 182 not out and captain Graeme Smith 131 in his 100th test.

South Africa was a small nervy having managed just the wicket of Ravi Bopara (22) in the morning session as Bell and then Matt Prior (40) dug in. Prior's the sack, however, started off a spell of wickets. Fast bowler Steyn, ranked number one in the world, had started the destruction job in the 1st hour of the day by removing Bopara, who deflect a bottom edge on to his stump while trying to cut a short and wide delivery.

Despite a couple of let-offs for Bell, when AB de Villiers failed to hold on to a nick off leg-spinner Imran Tahir on 20 and a run out chance on 28, he batted courageously. Prior's wicket halt their promising stand of 86 as England stopped from 203 for 5. Prior gave away his wicket, trying to sweep Tahir when the shot was not on.

Instead he managed a faint edge to a leg-break from about the wicket and Kallis took his 183rd test catch at slip. Steyn then claimed the prized wicket of Bell with his 2nd delivery with the new ball, as he edged to the reliable Kallis at second slip. He added the scalps of Stuart Broad, caught at the back after a review, and Graeme Swann.The last wicket went down when Tahir trapped last man James Anderson lbw.

The 2nd test is in Leeds from August 2 and the 3rd match at Lord's starts on August 16.

ENG 1st Inn-385/10

SA 1st Inn-637/2

ENG 2nd Inn-240/10

SA win by Innings

Man of the match: Hashim Amla

Michael Clarke century then superb Steyn

Cape Town: Australian captain Michael Clarke hit a super century to cancel out some excellent fast bowling by South Africa's Dale Steyn on the first day of the first Test at Newlands here on Wednesday. Clarke hit 107 not out in an Australian total of 214 for eight, while Steyn prove a steady risk to the batsmen on a seam-friendly surface, taking four for 31. New cap Vernon Philander took three for 54.

Shaun Marsh was the only top arrange batsman to give meaningful support to Clarke, making 44 and selection his captain set on 103 for the fourth wicket. For relax it was a struggle after Australia be sent in to bat on a day limited by rain and bad daylight to 55 overs.Australia packed up to 40 for three before Clarke was the leading partner as he and Marsh re-energized Australia's fortunes. Marsh contributes only 27 of the 103 runs added by the pair but played an important supporting role while Clarke counter-attacked.

Graeme Smith's judgment to send Australia in fast paid off as Steyn claim the wickets of Watson and  Ponting, while Philander had Phil Hughes caught at the back after rain overdue the start by almost two hours.Steyn dismiss Marsh with the first ball of his third spell when he was call back for what prove to be the last over previous to tea.

Clarke was agreed a stifling time by Steyn at the start of his innings before going for his shot when Steyn was replace by Kallis. The Australian captain scored 40 of the runs as the place with Marsh become worth 50, reach 5000 runs in Test cricket when his score was on 44, and quick to his fifty off only 56 balls with nine fours.

He maintain the pace in spite of behind Marsh, Hussy and Haddin before attainment his 16th Test century off 108 balls when he stroke Kallis through the cover for his 16th boundary The left-handed Marsh was tested with some short-pitched bowling early on but remain in control, collect runs when the bowlers stray in line or distance end to in a 101-ball innings which integrated eight fours.

Marsh was intent on his tuck and given out by umpire Ian Gould. He asks for a review but it complete that Gould was right. Earlier South Africa successfully sought an appraisal when Ponting was given not out next to Steyn by umpire Billy Doctrove. Replays show the ball would comprise hit his leg stump. South Africa also had a failed review when Gould gave Marsh not out on 28 against Philander, the ball pitching exterior leg stump.

Philander, 26, be one of two new caps, with South Africa also select Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir, 32. Tahir did not look bullying in his six overs, giving way 26 runs. Australia made only one change from the plane that beat South Africa A in a warm-up game last week with fast bowler Ryan Harris replacing Trent Copeland.