Leading 2-0 with three ODIs to play, the Analyst says the tourists' ever-improving batting order is now capable of chasing down any total
England have looked intimidating bordering on invincible so far in this one-day series.
Such is the power and depth of their batting – and one-day cricket is very much a batsman’s game – that they seem capable of chasing down anything.
Their bowling does look occasionally vulnerable but that is not uncommon in the modern one-day game, and England have the priceless assets men who take wickets and variety with left and right-armers as well as both leg and off-spin.
In many ways, the win in Port Elizabeth where they chased 263 on an awkward pitch was more impressive than their colossal 399 in Bloemfontein.
Alex Hales controlled the innings excellently, allowing other free spirits to play round him.
It emphasised the excellent balance in their batting line-up, with Hales’ solidity combining well with Jason Roy’s adventure.
Joe Root is the ideal No. 3, always busy but able to adapt his game to any situation.
Captain Eoin Morgan at four has great range, experience and knowledge of when to take the initiative.
Then there is the cool destroyer Jos Buttler, who never seems flummoxed by pressure and is the cleanest hitter in the modern game – some of his sixes should be worth eight.
The only batsman who hasn’t really cracked one-day cricket is Ben Stokes with an average of 20 after 31 innings and a best score of 70.
He seems a little affected by boundary fielders and sometimes tries to hit the ball too hard in an attempt to clear them.
But he will develop, and his bowling and fielding skills remain invaluable.
Because of both his – and Moeen Ali’s – all-round abilities, Stokes gives England fantastic balance.
It means that they can field five or even six specialist bowlers, which is absolutely essential given the omnipotence of batsmen in this form of the game and the fact that no single bowler can deliver more than 10 overs.
It is completely misguided to expect part-timers to sneak through their full quota untamed.
That is where South Africa are primarily going wrong.
The combination of Farhaan Behardien’s gentle medium pace and JP Duminy’s anonymous off-spin went for 93 in Bloemfontein and more than six an over in a lower-scoring match at Port Elizabeth.
The million-dollar man Chris Morris – who was bought by Delhi Daredevils for exactly that figure in the IPL – must come back in, though he will probably have to bat at No. 7 which leaves their lower-order looking dangerously thin.
The retirement of Jacques Kallis has never been more conspicuous than now.
So England have most bases covered.
Barring a miracle innings from AB de Villiers or an intervention from the weather, which is highly likely given that it is currently tipping down in Johannesburg as I write – England will win a potentially high-scoring match on Tuesday and clinch the series 3-0 with two to play.
South Africa v England third ODI betting
READ: Simon Hughes: England have power to leave South Africa eligible for free counselling
