England secured their first Test victory since 2014 with a stunning 286-run victory over South Africa in Bloemfontein.

With an unlikely score of 351 for victory, the Proteas fell to a total of 64, which was their lowest total in women’s Tests.

Seamer Lauren Bell was the standout for England with 4-27, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone finished with 2-7.

England started the day with a lead of 145 and were bowled out for 281 just before tea, with captain Heather Knight providing the backbone of the innings with an even score of 90.

Facing a tricky period 20 minutes before half-time, Bell grabbed the decisive strike from Laura Wolvaardt to make it four, and teammate Lauren Filer put Anneke Bosch ahead for the same score.

The turning point came after the break when England asked Annerie Dercksen to take a catch from close range, although the on-field referee initially remained unmoved.

But the decision was overturned after consultation with the third referee, despite the decision review system (DRS) not being in place for the game.

South Africa were clearly unhappy with the decision and collapsed from there, losing their last seven wickets for just 42 runs, with Marizanne Kapp’s 21 the only notable contribution.

The dismal batting performance overshadowed the brilliant bowling performance of spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who took 6-67 to finish the game on 10.

The victory ensures England head into the January’s Ashes in Australia with plenty of confidence, having also won both previous white-ball series on the tour.