South Africa England Most runs GC Smith (427) | Captains GC Smith Most wickets M Morkel (19) | |
Dates 6 November 2009 – 18 January 2010 Result 4-match series drawn 1–1 | ||
The England cricket team toured South Africa for a four-match Test series, a five-match One Day International (ODI) series and two Twenty20 Internationals between 6 November 2009 and 18 January 2010. The tour was balanced throughout, with both the Twenty20 International and Test series being drawn, and England narrowly winning the ODI series 2–1.
By levelling the Test series with victory in the final Test, South Africa retained the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy they had earnt in England in 2008. Despite the decision made in 2008 to grant Test series between South Africa and England "icon" status, and thus comprise five Test matches and only three ODI matches, the tour retained the previous balance of four Tests and five ODIs.
A quiet, friendly series erupted with controversy in the third and fourth Tests of the series. On the third day of the third Test, television images showed Stuart Broad standing on the ball, and fellow England pace-bowler James Anderson picking at the leather of the ball, causing South Africa to raise concerns about the condition of the ball, and the actions of the England duo. After some delay, the South African team announced that they were not making an official complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC), who in turn confirmed that the matter was closed. In the fourth Test, after an apparent nick by Graeme Smith was taken by wicket-keeper Matt Prior, the umpire Tony Hill turned down the appeal, and third umpire Daryl Harper upheld Hill's decision on review. However, TV replays showed an audible noise as the ball passed the bat. England announced that they would lodge an official complaint with the ICC, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) asking for the review to be reinstated. The ICC defended Harper, but said that it would launch a "full and comprehensive investigation" into the incident after the match.