Root stars as England post imposing total

Cape Town - The Proteas have it all to do to remain in contention in the one-day international series against England after the visitors posted an imposing total of 318 for 8 in the third match of the series at Centurion in Pretoria.

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Led by a brilliant 125 by Joe Root, England built a number of partnerships which put the Proteas under pressure. 

After losing Jason Roy (20) to a needless run-out, Root joined Alex Hales with the pair putting on 125 for the second wicket in just 20.3 overs. 

Kagiso Rabada then brought the home side back into the contest, removing Hales (65) and the dangerous Jos Buttler (0) in quick succession.

Root was joined by England captain Eoin Morgan who struggled throughout his 7 over stay, eventually falling 8 off 24 balls.

Root, however, had no trouble with the Proteas attack and moved to his century of 95 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes. 

He had excellent support from Ben Stokes (53) as the pair put on 82 for the 5th wicket at over 9 runs per over.

The Proteas managed to pull the scoring rate back by taking regular wickets during the final 10 overs, but some lusty hitting by Adil Rashid (13*) and David Willey (13*) in the final two overs saw England well passed the 300 mark.

Kyle Abbott (2/50 in 10 overs) and Rabada (2/65 in 10 overs) were the pick of the Proteas bowlers.