England wait on injured Cross after sealing ODI series against South Africa

South Africa v England, Scorecard

England will be sweating on the fitness of key fast bowler Kate Cross ahead of their one-off Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein that commences on Sunday.

Cross lasted just five deliveries on Wednesday before succumbing to a back injury as England sealed their three-game ODI series against the Proteas with a six-wicket (DLS method) triumph that leaves the experienced pacer little time to recover for the red-ball contest.

England confirmed Cross had suffered a back spasm and gave no indication on whether the 33-year-old would be fit to feature in the Test match.

"Kate Cross will not return to the field during this innings, after suffering with a back spasm," England said via a statement.

"Wishing a speedy recovery to our Crossy."

If Cross is ruled out of the Test it will leave England short in their pace department for the four-day clash, with Lauren Bell, Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Lauren Filer their only first-choice pace options alongside all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt.

With Cross sidelined England turned to batter Alice Capsey and the youngster filled the void well as she took two key wickets to help reduce South Africa to just 233/8 after they were sent into bat first by visiting skipper Heather Knight.

WATCH: Alice Capsey - 100% Cricket Superstar

Rain and lightning forced delays to much of England's run chase, but experienced duo Tammy Beaumont (65*) and Amy Jones (49*) held their nerve to ensure the visitors reached their revised target with very few issues.

It was the perfect response from Beaumont after she missed selection in England's squad for the recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup, with the 33-year-old hitting 10 boundaries during her 46-ball stay to win plaudits from her captain for her efforts.

"It was a brilliant effort. Losing your opening bowler in the first over and to rally round on a flat wicket in this heat was outstanding," Knight said.

"We knew it was still a very good wicket (chasing a revised total). I thought Tammy did an amazing job and set the tone early. Being under pressure in a must-win game, to win it pretty comfortably is really pleasing."

The victory sees England complete their ICC Women's Championship campaign in second place on the stndings and havng already qualified for the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in India, while South Africa are currently fourth on the table having also claimed a spot at next year's 50-over showcase.

ICC Women's Championship Standings

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who top-scored her her side in the third ODI with an excellent 61, belives her team learnt plenty from the tight series.

"We will take a lot of learnings," she said.

"It is a young group so we will do a lot of reflections but it was also a strong performance from England, they have been a tough competitor."

South Africa Test squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon.

England Test squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Seren Smale, Danni Wyatt-Hodge