LYTHAM ST ANNES, England, July 22 (Reuters) – British Open
champion Ernie Els said he was inspired by watching South
Africa’s cricketers turn the screw on England in the first test
before going out to win his fourth major title on Sunday.
South Africa batsman Hashim Amla made a record 311 not out
to lift his side to 637 for two declared before the bowlers
reduced England to 102 for four to put the touring side on
course for victory at the Oval in London on Monday.
“Yeah, I was watching a bit,” Els told reporters. “I watched
a bit last night and then obviously this morning a little bit.
It seems like the guys are fresh and ready to play and hopefully
they’ll have a good series.”
South Africa can knock England off the top of the world test
rankings if they win the three-match series.
“There’s still a long way to go, two more test matches, so
there’s a good start,” said Els after shooting a final-round 68
at Lytham to snatch the Open title in dramatic fashion from
Australian Adam Scott who bogeyed the last four holes.
(Reporting by Ed Osmond, editing by John Mehaffey)
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