South Africa have swept the target series against England, leaving the visitors bracing for what could be six of the worst weeks of their cricketing careers. The Proteas dominated the series from start to finish, winning all four Tests with a commanding performance that left England's batsmen and bowlers struggling to find their feet.

The first Test was played in Centurion, where England won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the tourists were soon on the back foot as South Africa's pace attack made early inroads into the English batting line-up. Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram all made half-centuries, helping the Proteas post a daunting total of 439 in their first innings. England were never able to recover from the early damage, and were bowled out for just 181 in reply. South Africa then completed a comprehensive innings victory, winning by 107 runs.

The second Test was played in Cape Town, and again England were put under pressure from the start. The hosts declared their first innings on 489/9, with half-centuries from Elgar, Rassie van der Dussen and Wiaan Mulder. England's batting was again found wanting, as they were bowled out for just 269 in reply. The Proteas then declared their second innings on 209/5, setting England a target of 438 to win. The tourists were never in the hunt, and were eventually bowled out for just 220, losing by 217 runs.

The third Test was played in Port Elizabeth, and England finally showed some fight with the bat. Root and Burns both made half-centuries, as the visitors posted a total of 341 in their first innings. However, South Africa's batsmen once again rose to the challenge, with Elgar and Van der Dussen both making centuries to help their side post a total of 500/9 declared. England were then bowled out for just 198 in their second innings, losing by an innings and 61 runs.

The fourth and final Test was played in Johannesburg, and again England were under pressure from the start. The Proteas declared their first innings on 377/8, with half-centuries from Elgar and Markram. England's batsmen once again failed to make an impact, being bowled out for just 180 in reply. The hosts then declared their second innings on 247/4, setting England a target of 438 to win. The tourists were never in the hunt, and were eventually bowled out for just 240, losing by 197 runs.

South Africa's dominance in the series was built on the back of some outstanding performances from their pace attack. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi all bowled with pace and hostility, making life difficult for England's batsmen. The Proteas' spinners also played their part, with Keshav Maharaj and George Linde both taking wickets and restricting the run-rate. The South African batsmen also stepped up to the plate, with Elgar, Van der Dussen, and De Kock all making important contributions with the bat.

England's performance in the series was far from what they would have wanted, and they will now be looking to regroup ahead of the upcoming one-day series. Root and Burns both showed glimpses of form with the bat, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled to make an impact. The visitors' bowlers also struggled to make an impact, with the South African batsmen always appearing to be in control.