The Bilateral ODI series between England and South Africa ended last night with the Proteas emerging 2-1 victors against the home team England. The South Africans played extremely well in the first two games, but England playing for pride in the third at Rose Bowl, Southampton, rewrote the record books.
England batters, when on song, can demolish any bowling attack in the world, is a fair statement, considering the potential they have and the explosive nature of their batting style. This ferocious streak has many a times brought their downfall too, but when they click, the opposition has to hide. South African bowlers had a taste of this phenomenon.
The talented Jacob Bethell, who had a poor 5th Test against India, had to come good to be vindicated, and he did, slamming his first ODI hundred. His 110 of 82 balls was the trigger England needed. Joe Root held one end up to his 19th ODI hundred and then Jos Buttler went berserk with a 32 ball 62. England amassed a mammoth 414 runs in their allotted 50 overs and in effect batted South Africa out of the game.
It was then the turn of Jofra Archer. Fit and back to his speed and rhythm, Archer was just too hot to handle. He was unplayable at times in the innings and even before South Africa could settle into the chase, the Proteas had lost half of their side for just 18 runs. Archer was the wrecker in chief with great assistance from Brydon Carse.
Adil Rashid got into the action and South Africa folded for just 72, giving England a victory with 342 runs, the highest ever in ODI history. It was an embarrassment for South Africa and though they won the series, the loss may just haunt them going forward.
Jofra Archer won the Player of the Match Award and Keshav Maharaj was adjudged the Player of the Series.
Never underestimate the English batters, is a lesson learnt.