Captain Joe Root appreciates England’s ability to succeed despite illness and injury en route to a 3-1 Test series victory over the Proteas on Monday.

Several England players fell ill during the first Test in Centurion, which South Africa won. Veteran fast bowler James Anderson was later ruled out of the series due to injury. Fast bowler Jofra Archer’s participation was also limited by injury.

READ: Proteas sink to series defeat

Despite the setbacks, the tourists recovered to win three successive Tests in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg.

‘This is a very special win, indeed. After the first Test, to pick ourselves up has been amazing in the last three games,’ said Root.

‘It provides guys opportunities when people like Anderson aren’t there, and we need to keep looking onward and upwards and keep getting better.

‘The young talent is very exciting. Everyone’s taken their opportunities. The guys have taken their chances and the sky is the limit for us now.

‘We’ve loved it, and it’s a fantastic place to come and tour. We always think South Africa are fierce rivals and very hospitable and we weren’t disappointed this time either.’

South Africa and England will contest three ODIs and as many T20Is next month.

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