Moeen Ali spins England to convincing warm-up win ahead of South Africa series

England completed preparations for their four-match Test series against South Africa with a convincing innings victory in their final warm-up match in Pietermaritzburg.

Spinner Moeen Ali took 6 for 77 as the tourists claimed victory by an innings and 91 runs after bowling out South Africa A for just 187.

Centuries from Alastair Cook and Joe Root on day two had given England a handsome lead, and left them requiring eight wickets on day three to claim a resounding win. Seamers Mark Footitt, Steven Finn and Stuart Broad all struck but Ali was the tormentor-in-chief.

Ali took six scalps in all, including that of Test player Quinton de Kock – who top scored with 53 before he was lbw – to give England a winning end to their warm-up schedule ahead of the opening match in Durban starting on Boxing Day. Jonny Bairstow, who missed an easy stumping chance, was treated on the outfield for an eye problem but is not expected to be a doubt for the game.