LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Joe Root was delighted with England’s all-round effort as they bounced back to hammer South Africa by 239 runs in the third Test at The Oval yesterday.

England’s Moeen Ali finished things off in style by becoming the first bowler in 100 test at The Oval to take a hat-trick.

“What a way to celebrate the 100th Test at this ground,” Root told Sky Sports off-spinner Ali’s hat-trick.

Man of the match Ben Stokes, who caught two of Ali’s hat-trick victims, had a good view when Morne Morkel fell lbw to complete the Worcestershire all-rounder’s treble — although England had to first review an original not out decision.

But much of the hard work that helped put England 2-1 up in this four-Test series had been done before Ali’s landmark feat after lunch on Monday’s fifth day.

England came into this match on the back of a colossal 340-run defeat in the second Test at Trent Bridge.

Several former England captains criticised Root’s men for lacking the patience required to bat through difficult periods in a Test match.

But Ben Stokes, angered at suggestions that the team’s desire was being called into question, made a well-constructed 112 in seam bowler- friendly conditions during a first-innings total of 353 at The Oval, which also saw ex-captain Alastair Cook weigh in with a valuable 88.

Philander, however, spent much of this match off the field with a viral complaint, having tormented England at Trent Bridge.

England responded to their Trent Bridge trouncing by selecting three debutants in their XI at The Oval, the south London headquarters of county side Surrey.

One of those new caps was Toby Roland-Jones, a stalwart seamer on the other side of London’s River Thames with Lord’s-based Middlesex, the reigning English county champions.

The 29-year-old had an England debut to remember, returning match figures of eight for 129 and scoring 45 valuable, late-order runs.