Relive England's 'monumental' 399

Man of the match Quinton de Kock, who scored 138 not out for South Africa: "We lost wickets at bad times but we were on line to win it. It is cricket. Things happen. I just tried to give some info to batsmen coming in. It was a good wicket to get in. If the rain didn't come hopefully we could have got over the line."

Sally Smith: Can't help but think this ODI team will look even better with Vince, Broad and Finn in it somewhere!

England captain Eoin Morgan: "It's a nice way to start the series. We would have liked to play a full game; it would have been a fantastic game of cricket.

"You'd take 399 every day - it was a monumental effort. The tone was set by the two openers and continued right down the innings. Jos was phenomenal. He is someone who can certainly change the game."

South Africa captain AB de Villiers: "It is not ideal but England played well. They took the momentum and the initiative. It is disappointing that it ended this way. It was a good toss to win and good conditions to bat at the beginning. We can be better at adapting early on in the next game.

"We had a strategic meeting at the break and knew what to do.We were on target but lost one or two wickets too many. We were on with the run-rate and it would have been a good finish."

Presentation time. More tricky questions for AB de Villiers...

England batsman Alex Hales, who made 57 off 47 balls, Sky Sports: "It was pretty much a perfect batting performance.

"We know we can clear the ropes down to number 10. It's nice knowing that everyone in the team can hold their end - and everyone's natural game is to score at a run a ball."

On Jos Buttler's 105 off 76 balls: "In my opinion he's turning himself into one of the best one-day players in the world. What we saw today was fantastic."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"Unless De Villiers comes to the party and the bowling improves they have a problem beating England. In a five-match series your money is on England. You think of the World Cup and we are light years ahead of that. They take it to the opposition and hit the new ball hard.

"De Villiers will be lucky if he gets to sleep tonight. When you don't get runs and lose your mind is all over the place. He will be worried at the moment."

SMS Message: Has to be said that if England are ever in the position where all their batsmen click, they will probably need to declare. from Tattz in Nottingham

Has to be said that if England are ever in the position where all their batsmen click, they will probably need to declare.

AFPCopyright: AFP

"The magic moment of the match was Stokes running, full tilt round the boundary, and he sticks one hand out to catch De Villiers. That was the moment England had the game."  

David Beckett: Duckworth-Lewis is a more devastating partnership than Ambrose-Walsh, Laker-Lock, McGrath-Warne, Wasim-Waqar or Lillie-Thompson.

AFPCopyright: AFP

"De Kock was outstanding. He is a talent - I know he can play. It's such an easy, free-flowing batsman. He gave South Africa a sniff but the others got out."

ODI series

• 1st ODI, Bloemfontein: England won by 39 runs (D-L).
• 6 Feb: 2nd ODI, Port Elizabeth, 11:30 GMT
• 9 Feb: 3rd ODI, Centurion, 08:00
• 12 Feb: 4th ODI, Johannesburg, 11:30
• 14 Feb: 5th ODI, Cape Town, 08:00

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

"I said when Buttler was new to the game that he had to go higher up the order. People who can hurt you need to have as much of the bowling as possible. It is like Viv Richards. Why would you bat him at seven when he can kill teams higher up?

"I thought England were coasting at the end. I thought England couldn't bowl as badly as South Africa and we didn't. We had enough nous to bowl tighter. We were always 15 runs ahead of the game."

England, by the way, have won nine of their 15 completed ODIs since the World Cup.

"It looked like it was going to be a high-scoring game - I thought England would get 350. What I didn't realise the inexperience and poorness of the South Africa bowling - they were all at sea. They bowled full, short, wide. Their lack of discipline showed at this level and England plundered runs."

England won by 39 runs (D-L method) - lead 1-0 in series

England 399-9 (50 overs)

Buttler 105 (79), Stokes 57 (38), Hales 57 (37); Morris 3-74

South Africa 250-5 (33.3 overs)

De Kock 138* (96), Moeen 3-43 

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

And that is it, a rather damp end to what was bubbling up to an exciting finish. South Africa might feel aggrieved that their chase was curtailed, but England have been the better side today. 

...only a rumour, mind.

I've heard a rumour that this game is over...

"The umpires walked on, then walked off towards the dressing rooms."

SMS Message: I nudged a guy out the way to grab the hand of Jason Gillespie in a bar in Birmingham to congratulate him on his double century a few weeks earlier for Australia. I turned to leave and realised the guy I'd bumped out the way was then-England captain Michael Vaughan. I slapped him on the knee and wished him a full recovery from his knee ailments. from Andy in Liverpool

I nudged a guy out the way to grab the hand of Jason Gillespie in a bar in Birmingham to congratulate him on his double century a few weeks earlier for Australia. I turned to leave and realised the guy I'd bumped out the way was then-England captain Michael Vaughan. I slapped him on the knee and wished him a full recovery from his knee ailments.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Still the rain falls, still the covers are in place. I can't believe that we'll get back on tonight.

SMS Message: Once when stewarding at the mighty Cobblers, when we shared the ground with NCCC, during an evening game late in the season, I told a spectator to get off the outfield as it was wet and the cricket season was about to start. It was dark so I didn't know who it was. But a certain David Capel was not impressed. from Phil Edwards in Northants

Once when stewarding at the mighty Cobblers, when we shared the ground with NCCC, during an evening game late in the season, I told a spectator to get off the outfield as it was wet and the cricket season was about to start. It was dark so I didn't know who it was. But a certain David Capel was not impressed.

TMS is now reporting that if it is still raining at 19:30, this game will be toast.

Ben, you're opening up a whole new debate there. A time when you've met a cricketer and not realised it.

Email Message: Trying desperately, as a 6 year old, to get an autograph from Darren Gough at Headingley despite him being interviewed by 5 live. Get a telling off from Geoffrey Boycott for my troubles. Sir Geoffrey asks me if I want his autograph, I didn't know who he was. I said no. Sorry Geoffrey, I'd say yes now!!

from Ben in Yorkshire

Trying desperately, as a 6 year old, to get an autograph from Darren Gough at Headingley despite him being interviewed by 5 live. Get a telling off from Geoffrey Boycott for my troubles. Sir Geoffrey asks me if I want his autograph, I didn't know who he was. I said no. Sorry Geoffrey, I'd say yes now!!

SMS Message: I once stopped Micheal Holding at Trent Bridge for a photo. Bring rather intoxicated I proceeded to try and jump on his back and rub his head saying it would give me luck with my bowling. It really didn't. from Tom

I once stopped Micheal Holding at Trent Bridge for a photo. Bring rather intoxicated I proceeded to try and jump on his back and rub his head saying it would give me luck with my bowling. It really didn't.

Ah. I'm hearing word that the wet stuff has returned. Perhaps time to start making other plans.

No further news on the weather just yet. There are 68 minutes left for us to get some cricket in.

Email Message: I once waited outside a Lord's Test in 2006 for ages to get an England shirt signed for my sister by Alastair Cook. When he finally came out, as he was signing it, I just looked at him and said "My sister really likes you". The awkward silence that followed was worse than watching an episode of the Inbetweeners with your Mum.

from Patrick Vanderpant

I once waited outside a Lord's Test in 2006 for ages to get an England shirt signed for my sister by Alastair Cook. When he finally came out, as he was signing it, I just looked at him and said "My sister really likes you". The awkward silence that followed was worse than watching an episode of the Inbetweeners with your Mum.

If the rain has stopped, then we need to get cleared up sharpish. Whatever happens, we won't be getting in the 16.3 overs that remain.

Totum: Embarrassing moments in front of cricketers. Bowling to de Kock earlier. Thanks C Jordan.

I'm hearing some chat that the game has to be completed by 20:18 GMT. The countdown is on.

Nope...

TV is going back to highlights from the start of the day, so that's an indication what we won't be seeing any live cricket for a while. I wonder if a second look at the first innings will make South Africa's bowling performance any better?

SMS Message: Star struck in a coffee shop in Nottingham in 2005 the day before the Test match, and being confronted by Michael Vaughan, Mrs M asked: "How do you get your whites so white?" from Ewen Macgregor

Star struck in a coffee shop in Nottingham in 2005 the day before the Test match, and being confronted by Michael Vaughan, Mrs M asked: "How do you get your whites so white?"

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

As a reminder, rain stopped play with South Africa 250-5 after 33.3 overs. They are well behind England's 399-9 on the Duckworth-Lewis method, so if we don't get back on, England will be 1-0 up in this series.

SMS Message: I trod on Darren Gough's feet in a pub in Adelaide during the Ashes in 2006. I apologised by saying "Oh God sorry Freddie!" He just laughed and said "No worries mate, but I'm not bloody Freddie!! Felt like a right muppet! from Ash Stockton in Taunton

I trod on Darren Gough's feet in a pub in Adelaide during the Ashes in 2006. I apologised by saying "Oh God sorry Freddie!" He just laughed and said "No worries mate, but I'm not bloody Freddie!! Felt like a right muppet!

"It's a time issue. 9.15 is the scheduled finish, I guess we can go to 10.15. It's 8.50 now, so I doubt we'll have a decision before 9.30."

Streaker! One naked fella does a big Klinsmann dive across the slippery covers. He's naked, which you have to be in order to be classed as a streaker. If you keep your clothes on, you're merely a pitch invader.

Email Message: Being stunned to meet Sir Ian Botham an hour before start of test match at Trent Bridge.

He said: "I see you are keen."

I replied: My bus was early."

He walked away.

from Christopher Corp

Being stunned to meet Sir Ian Botham an hour before start of test match at Trent Bridge.

He said: "I see you are keen."

I replied: My bus was early."

He walked away.

The ground staff are now wheeling huge tyres on to the square and using them to weigh the covers down. Not exactly a sign that we'll be getting more play in the near future.

Howard Horner: Can Duckworth-Lewis take into account the changes the game has seen? The power of scoring in the last 10 overs is absurd!

Out of interest, how often is the Duckworth-Lewis method updated? How regularly does the data catch up with modern scoring rates?

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

SMS Message: I once told Mark Ramprakash that he had 100 more centuries than me, but I was only 2 behind in Tests. Wasn't impressed. from Mal

I once told Mark Ramprakash that he had 100 more centuries than me, but I was only 2 behind in Tests. Wasn't impressed.

Bucketing down in central South Africa now. Start decreasing those chances of further play.

GettCopyright: Gett

Graeme Edgar: Jordan having a bad day but no need for Eng fans to pile on him, he's not Dernbaching just yet.

Hmmm, a lot of those Jordan boundaries have been from deliveries on the pads of De Kock. Jordan has struggled against the left-hander.

It's looks to be fairly pelters in Bloemfontein. There's a chance this might be terminal. Only a chance, mind. We do have time to play with.

I once had shocker with Vettori. In an Irish bar at the end of last year's World Cup, the only thing I could think of saying was "you're brilliant". He told me that he had to leave.

SMS Message: Once met Ian Bell in a pub playing pool. He was with another Warwickshire player - my mate asked if he was Tony Frost and they all fell about laughing. We couldn't work it out until we realised it wasn't Tony Frost but Daniel Vettori! from Anonymous

Once met Ian Bell in a pub playing pool. He was with another Warwickshire player - my mate asked if he was Tony Frost and they all fell about laughing. We couldn't work it out until we realised it wasn't Tony Frost but Daniel Vettori!

"I don't think Duckworth-Lewis is right. It's a good system and I applaud the men who came up with it, but batting second is more difficult than it should be." 

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

Some huge blue sheets are dragged on to the ground by groundstaff wearing the sort of ponchos you use on the log flume. After 34 overs, the D-L par score would be 290 so, if they don't get back out there, England will go 1-0 up. We're a long way from this match being pulled, though.

"There's lightning away to our left."

"They've got to go off."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

In fact, it's got heavy pretty quickly, heavy enough for the umpires to take us off. England are in the dressing room almost before the bails are removed. They are miles ahead on Duckworth-Lewis.

Farhaan Behardien is the new man, arriving as drizzle just starts to fall. Chris Jordan, perhaps because he has a hypnotic hold on Eoin Morgan, remains in the attack, serving up a half-volley for Behardien to get off the mark. Very quiet in Bloemfontein, perhaps the crowd think the game is up. Or maybe it's because of the rain...

"Pace off the ball has done it here. Rilee Rossouw tried to force it a bit too hard. Brilliant for England - they needed that breakthrough."

AFPCopyright: AFP

Luke Prater: This is absurd. Broad is available but doesn't make the team over the likes of Jordan?! Broad best bowler in the world atm.

Jon Dunn: Time & time again Jordan shows he's not good enough to be an ODI bowler. How do the selectors not see this?

"Chris Jordan's second spell has gone the same way as the first. England have got options - you'd think they would have made changes."

Still Jordan, still going round the park, this time with Rossouw belting a wide half-volley through the covers for four. I wonder how much more we'll see of Jordan in this match - England have got options. I also wonder if we'll see more of him in this series. It would take a lot to convince me that Stuart Broad isn't a better man for this team on this evidence.

The players are taking drinks in the Bloemfontein night. Quinton de Kock is being seen to by the physio, flat on his back and having his legs fondled. South Africa need 164 runs from 19 overs.

SMS Message: De Knock from JP, London

De Knock

There are a few worrying sights away from the middle. One is the armed policemen, the other two huge men at the back of the England seating area. Behind the coaches, they are two large, Onslow-like chaps in England gear. When did they hire scrummaging experts? Stokes, previously so good, is loose here. Too short, hooked for four by De Kock, who now has his highest ODI score. England need De Kock out.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"England can't stem the flow. You just can't stop the runs coming. It's been like that all day." 

Whall-oppp! Stokes to De Kock, biffed for a maximum over cow corner.

George Spooner: Chris Jordan is useless.

James Gulleford: Anyone know why Jordan gets in the England team? Ok he can bat a bit but he doesn't know where to bowl! Broad should be playing!

Wayne Ellis: I'd be disappointed to get out to Chris Jordan, and I haven't held a bat in years. Pedestrian, brainless bowling... 

From the miserly Ben Stokes to the generous Chris Jordan, who arrives with figures of 0-35 from three overs and thinks the best way of improving those figures is to dish up some leg-stump half-volleys. Twice he's taken to the fence by De Kock. Jordan's four overs have cost 11 runs apiece.

SMS Message: I once told Matt Prior he would never play for England... from Nick on the train to Ely

I once told Matt Prior he would never play for England...

Ben Stokes, 55 on his back, slips in, continuing some pretty miserly work. Sweat on his forehead, bandage on his right arm, a swatted Rossouw boundary from the final ball not doing a great deal to spoil Stokes' figures. His economy rate is 4.50. No one else in this match has gone at better than 6.00 an over.

Paul Hawkins: If this carries on Ben Stokes should be on the front cover of Time Magazine, never mind Wisden.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

There's lightning in the distance. If you've got a Thunder Buddy, it might be time to get in bed with them. Still the tattooed left-arm of Reece Topley, going through his variations, but belted back down the ground by Rossouw. Very questionable moustache from Rossouw. Almost as bad as David Warner's. Almost.

"England now hold most of the cards - but not all of them."

Rillee Rossouw, the left-hander who sounds like a character from Neighbours, is the new man. Stokes, finding extra bounce, continues to do an excellent job.

That tweet from Joseph (24 overs) reminds me of the time I met Mike Atherton. Athers is my absolute hero and I could barely get my words out, making myself look a right wally. Do let me know of the times you've embarrassed yourself in front of a cricketer. 

"Brilliant little slower ball. That was one of Topley's excellent changes of pace."

"It's clever bowling and it's the virtue of the back-of-the-hand variation. Topley stuffed him there and De Kock played much too early. Every wicket increases the pressure on South Africa, but De Kock is still there..."

"There's an air of tension in the crowd. Either the bars are about to close or the game is finely poised. Perhaps both."

APCopyright: AP

That's enough excitement for me. I'll hand you back to Stephan Shemilt for what promises to be a thrilling climax.

"He has a very, very bright future. It's been a beautifully paced innings."

"He's just looked in very good touch. He hasn't searched for the big shots and they haven't bowled very well at him."

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

De Kock, on the other hand, is batting like a dad in the garden against his kids. When Stokes targets his pads, De Kock clips for four behind square. That's his century - off only 67 deliveries. Jos Buttler, eat your heart out.

Stokes is so good he's even allowed a slip. Two successive dots to Duminy, who finally gets off strike with a whipped pull for one.

Joseph Bentley: Remember when I told Ben Stokes at the darts he was no Marcus Trescothick? Well, I think he might have proved me wrong.

England captain Eoin Morgan turns to Reece Topley. The lanky leftie mixing up yorkers with short stuff to successfully keep South Africa in check. Quinton De Kock is now within one shot of three figures.

James Bailey: Ben Stokes one handed catch with the LCD screen behind him reading 'THE ULTIMATE ALL-ROUNDER' perfect, couldn't write it!

Frame that! The ball beats the bat as Stokes beats Duminy's prod with one that keeps a smidge low. A rare moment of bowler getting one up on batsman today. Two off the over. England will certainly take that.

"I hope I'm still alive in three years to watch Ben Stokes' development."

Rashid out of the attack with figures of 0-42 off six overs. Ben Stokes on in his place. The odds on something happening here? Short, I'd say.

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

"South Africa are up with the rate more or less. The game is not done and dusted by any stretch of the imagination. England hold most of the cards but it is not over."

Moeen's five overs have cost 41 but he has got two of the three wickets so far.

The technology suggests it would have grazed leg stump, but not hitting enough of it to have the decision overturned. De Kock is still there.

"I don't think that's going to work. It's too high and not turned much."

Moeen fancies that lbw against De Kock. It's turned down on the field but England think there might be a chance with a review. 

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

"It's been a good day for wicketkeepers who can bat a bit."

De Kock goes large. Again. Moeen is pummelled over mid-wicket for another six. I feel like I've written that already today...

"He has bowled quite nicely for a while, Rashid, but suddenly he is leaking runs quite freely. I am wondering if it is time for someone else?"

Any momentum England had disappeared in the blink of that over from Rashid, containing two fours and a three (and that thanks only to another fine piece of fielding from Stokes). South Africa fighting fire with fire.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Theo Bowyer: Stokes... A magnet in the field. Stupendous catch!

Benjamin Fox: Ben Stokes. One of the greatest catches I've ever seen.

As good as Stokes' catch off Stuart Broad at Trent Bridge? If that one was more instinct and reflexes, this was pure athletic ability and hand-eye co-ordination. Perhaps most tellingly, Stokes didn't even look that surprised that he'd held it. You won't see many better than that. Quite remarkable.

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

"If it doesn't rain now, he's messed up. That's the problem with the rain, you get caught in two minds. Now they have no chance."  

Jon Dunn: WHAT A CATCH!!! What a wicket!!!

gettCopyright: gett

"He's off like man who's just scored a goal in the cup final."

"I just wonder if that storm has gone away."

Good over for South Africa. Very good over. Four leg-byes as Rashid drifts down leg, De Kock - in imperious form - drives for four over mid-off, then sweeps for another, albeit thanks to a misfield in the deep. De Kock has 77 off only 54 balls.

Remember, we need 20 overs before messrs Duckworth and Lewis can have a say in this game. South Africa need 36 off the next two overs to reach the 20-over par score. No wonder Adil Rashid is jogging to the start of his mark. England in a hurry.

"I think rain is coming. Look at the huge wind that has just arrived. England need to get 20 overs in quick."

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

De Kock certainly likes Moeen Ali. Not in a friendly sense. More in a 'Can you bowl at me more often, please' kind of way. He collects his third six with another mighty mow.

"This is a good time to bowl at AB de Villiers. He's just made three noughts in Test cricket."

AB de Villiers' entrance doesn't often overshadowed. But the South Africa captain, arguably the greatest one-day batsman in the world, is now at the crease. Adil Rashid whirls away - his variations. The wind has picked up in Bloemfontein - flags whipping and shirts blowing like crazy. Is rain on its way?

"That's wonderful. What a way to do it, Lenox."

In more important news, a chap in the crowd has just proposed via a message on the giant screen. I wonder if he was waiting for a wicket to fall before he gave the screen operators the signal. Don't worry, she said yes.

"He didn't try to hit it for six, but ended up hitting it to the longest part of the ground. It was a nice lofted drive. If he wanted to, he could have hit that harder. He didn't give it the Full Monty."

I think we can safely say that this is a batsman's game. Moeen drifts down leg and De Kock gets down on one knee to swing him high over the advertising boards for another maximum.

Email Message: Is this the same Faf Du Plessis who played in the Test series? It amazes me what a change of clothing and ball colour does for some players.

from Matthew Roberts

Is this the same Faf Du Plessis who played in the Test series? It amazes me what a change of clothing and ball colour does for some players.

Rashid keeps on tossing it up, the reprieved Du Plessis punches down the ground. This is almost entering middle-over syndrome. South Africa almost scoring at will now. Six off the over.

"I've seen this lad before and I think he's talented. He's got shots, he can bat down the order and he can keep. He'll hang on to his place in the Test side too."

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

The milestones keep coming. Quinton De Kock follows Du Plessis to 50 thanks to another couple - and a dive to make his ground. That took only 37 balls. Well batted.

"In a way, it's slightly surprising he took so long to review out, given how much it turned."

"That's great advice from De Kock to review it."

Not out. I repeat, not out. Ball-tracker suggests the ball is going down the leg side and Du Plessis survives. Smiles all round for the South Africa batsmen.

"It looked straight."

"I reckon he's out."

But Moeen gets his man. Or does he? Faf du Plessis is struck on the front pad as he works across the line. The umpire's finger goes up, but Du Plessis wants another look...

"Du Plessis has had a couple of provincial games and got some runs. He's got his mojo back."

That's not what the captain ordered. A Moeen full bunger is easy pickings for Du Plessis. He doesn't miss out on those. A single then takes him to a splendid 35-ball fifty - and South Africa are a quarter of the way to their target. "Can they get these?" is the question in the office.

Spin from both ends. Moeen Ali into the attack.

John Trafik: Suppose the question is starting to loom - why didn't we start Broad?   

Elliott GC: In Stuart Broad, we have the no 1 bowler in the world, in the form of his life and yet we don't pick him. Why? The mind boggles. 

It takes a splendid chase and dive from David Willey to prevent De Kock collecting another four over mid-off, before Joe Root's misfield partly undoes the good work as the left-hander is allowed to scamper a second to deep square-leg. Rashid continues to mix it up to decent effect - five off the over counts as a good one for England given the recent carnage.

"I don't think he's bowling quick enough. You can't bowl that length at that pace."

England hit 38 fours and 15 sixes in their innings - that's at least a boundary an over for those of you who've forgotten your calculators. South Africa's boundary count is up to 11 now after three in that over. Quinton de Kock twice muscles Chris Jordan for leg-side fours and Faf du Plessis again goes straight. De Kock has 41, Du Plessis 45. The South Africa charge is well and truly on.

Richard Panday: England bowling needs the occasional slower ball in there to unsettle SA rhythm, great entertainment though.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

A change of tack for England in the form of leg-spinner Adil Rashid. This is the Adil Rashid who took the Big Bash in Australia by storm, lest we forget. He's punished for dropping short as De Kock cuts late for four, but then a googly takes the leading edge and lands safely in the off side. Plenty of variety from Rashid - and all of a sudden De Kock doesn't look like he knows what day of the week it is.

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

Rich Taylor: Chris Jordan - buffet bowling. Brings nothing.

The skies in Bloemfontein have darkened considerably in the past few minutes - it reminds me of when my dad used to turn the dimmers down in the lounge when I was younger. England's mood matches the overhead conditions as De Kock pulls for four. Wayward from Jordan again. The rubber-wristed Du Plessis collects two more as he works across the line.

"England were 75-1 off 10. A few overs ago I felt South Africa were off the rate but they have used the pace of the bowling well to build momentum and are now not far off the required rate."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

I tell you what - Du Plessis is up for this one. Nothing wrong with that from Wiley, but Du Plessis charges down the track and swats him, flat-batted, over his head for four. And this one is even better, and bigger - a glorious drive for a towering straight six. Wonderful, wonderful batting. England under pressure. Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler calls the helmet as he decides to stand up to the stumps.

"It's no longer an event when people hit the ball for six. It used to only happen three or four times an innings. Now, they are 10 a penny."  

Stunning work from Topley on the boundary saves three runs, but there's no stopping Du Plessis as he goes flamingo to whip Jordan behind square for four. De Kock then launches a leg-stump half-volley into the grass banking to leave the spectators ducking for cover and end a profitable over - 12 off it.

"Jordan will be keen to set his mark. It is a bit of a toss-up at the moment between him and Chris Woakes for a place in the side."

Ah-ha, a change of bowling. Chris Jordan into the attack... and he almost has a wicket with his first ball as De Kock drives at fresh air. A touch of extra bounce there, perhaps?

Andy Donley: It seems churlish to complain about this England ODI team, but why do Jordan and Rashid bat ahead of t20 opener Willey?

Willey in for a fourth over, the sole slip he had in the previous one now stationed in front of the wicket catching. Hard to disagree - we've seen hardly any edges today, let alone chances to the slip cordon. Four off the over as Du Plessis shovels the final ball to leg for a couple.

"England very much in the driving seat here, not only because of the runs on the board but because you sense they will get the best of the conditions. It is playing into England's hands, they just need to keep the wickets coming."

AFPCopyright: AFP

Ooooh! Almost another wicket for England. Du Plessis advances to Topley, and just about clears a scampering mid-off with a miscued drive which earns him a couple. A leg-glanced four off the following ball is more assured.

David Willey looks like he's got lovely, soft hair. Very clean. I have no doubt he uses a good quality conditioner. That bowling is filthy, though, a leg-stumper allowing Du Plessis to whip off his pads for four, followed by a wide.

SMS Message: Was arguing with my dad last night that England didn't need KP in the ODI team anymore. Thanks boys for proving my point. from Stuart from Poole

Was arguing with my dad last night that England didn't need KP in the ODI team anymore. Thanks boys for proving my point.

Topley tidy... until he errs in length and Du Plessis punches firmly back past the bowler for four. Lovely straight bat. There's still room for authentic strokes in one-day cricket.

"It was an odd atmosphere in the first innings, almost like a benefit match. There were balls disappearing over the boundary and people picnicing on the boundary."

One of the flashing bails ended up trapped between Amla's back pad and leg then. I'm not quite sure how he got it out. He's such a nice chap I wouldn't be surprised if he placed it back on the stumps before making his way off. Faf Du Plessis, the new man, is off the mark with a single dropped into the off side.

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

"It may have kept a little bit low, took the inside edge and cannoned on to the stumps. It's a huge bonus for England. The crowd is silent."  

"That was a leaden-footed waft to a ball that wasn't that good."

"Topley has two things in his favour. There's a flicker of swing into the right-hander and they won't have faced much of him before."

Reece Topley, the second half of England's two-pronged left-arm new-ball pair, charges in, loosening up those long limbs. Hashim Amla cuts for four to third man. No margin for error on this pitch, just in case England were unsure. De Kock ends the over with a play-and-miss.

"Amla must be the only Test captain to make 200 then give up the captaincy at the end of that match."

After a first-ball scuttler, De Kock drives Willey dreamily through point for four. South Africa up and running. A wake-up call for England. Six off the over.

Rakesh Pradhan: Game is not over until ABDeV is out.

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

Thanks Phil. David Willey to open the bowling for England. Quinton de Kock facing. Let's do this...

That is all from me. I will hand you over to Justin Goulding for the start of the South African reply.

While Jos Buttler seems a certainty for the next IPL, another English player has confirmed he will not be taking part...

Finlay Malcolm: The first time @josbuttler has hit an ODI century that didn't break an English ODI century record.

The 15 sixes England hit today is the most they have managed in an ODI.

Email Message: I find myself in the curious position of being slightly disappointed that England "failed" to reach 400. Less than a year after a dismal World Cup. *Unnecessary rhetorical question alert* How long ago does that feel now??

from Scott in Glasgow

I find myself in the curious position of being slightly disappointed that England "failed" to reach 400. Less than a year after a dismal World Cup. *Unnecessary rhetorical question alert* How long ago does that feel now??

Remember the #QSTeaser earlier from @QuestionofSport? Who are the 6 players to have scored over 6,000 ODI runs for South Africa?

Well, the answers for you...

• 11,550: Jacques Kallis
• 8,253: AB de Villiers
• 8,094: Herschelle Gibbs
• 6,989: Graeme Smith
• 6,798: Gary Kirsten
• 6,008: Hashim Amla

Andy Read: England's ODI team are rapidly getting out of hand...

• This was England's highest ODI total against South Africa; 323 was their previous best
• This is the highest total at this ground, surpassing South Africa's 351 in 2010
• This is the first time eight batsmen have hit a a six in an ODI innings

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

SMS Message: Drop Joe Root! Only batsman with a strike-rate below 100!! Poor effort! from John in Horsham

Drop Joe Root! Only batsman with a strike-rate below 100!! Poor effort!

England 399-9 (50 overs)

Buttler 105 (79), Hales 57 (47), Root 52 (58), Roy 48 (30)

Fall of wickets: 68-1 (Roy 48), 130-2 (Hales 57), 227-3 (Root 52), 256-4 (Morgan 23), 317-5 (Buttler 105), 371-6 (Stokes 57), 376-7 (Ali 19), 379-8 (Rashid 2), 391-9 (Jordan 14)

Bowling figures: Morris 10-0-74-3, De Lange 10-0-87-2, Morkel 10-0-69-0, Duminy 5-0-48-0, Tahir 10-0-71-2, Behardien 5-0-45-0

England won toss

Full scorecard

Thomas Harris: I suppose it's a freaky co-incidence we've started doing well in ODI/T20 now we've actually started picking attacking players.

"I would expect England to win. I don't care whether South Africa have got De Villiers."

Jos Buttler has now made four ODI centuries. Today's was the slowest of them at 73 balls.

He is  responsible for four of the fastest eight in history for England.

• 46 balls: Buttler v Pakistan, Dubai, 2015
• 61 balls: Buttler v Sri Lanka, Lord's 2014
• 66 balls:Buttler v New Zealand, Edgbaston, 2015
• 69 balls: Kevin Pietersen v South Africa, East London, 2005
• 71 balls: Joe Root v New Zealand, Edgbaston, 2015
• 72 balls: Moeen Ali v Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2014
• 73 balls: Buttler v South Africa, Bloemfontein, 2016
• 73 balls: Eoin Morgan v New Zealand, Trent Bridge, 2015

"It's a brilliant total. It has been a story of intimidatory batting."

South Africa bowler Chris Morris on Sky Sports: "They played really well. Jos Buttler played out of his skin and there were some serious knocks. We will have to play really well. It is one of those days. We were a bit full to start with, with the ball. It is a good wicket and we will have to bat well. 

"We need partnerships and a bit of patience. We have the firepower in our line-up. We have chased 400 before, so hopefully we can do it again."

"That's a big total - you'd win 19 out of 20 matches with that total. England's batting was excellent, right from the word go.

"Buttler was the icing on the cake with a superb hundred - he's just perfect for one-day cricket."

A yorker and Topley can't get a bat on it. England fall a run short of 400. We can't criticise them for that, though. It has been a cracking innings from the tourists.

A swing and a miss from Topley. Dot ball.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Willey tries to smash another over long-on but mis-hits and gets a single.

Free hit time. David Willey looks for the beans over mid-wicket, but it goes straight to the fielder. They come back for a risky second, but AB de Villiers doesn't gather it cleanly.

Reece Topley is the last man but he is protected by Willey being on strike. De Lange does England a huge favour with a head-high full toss that runs away for four.

"He got away with that."

"That could easily have gone out of the park as well."

Not a bad start to the last over as Jordan hits De Lange for six straight down the ground. It was almost caught at long-on by a South African fielder, who can't prevent himself crossing the boundary.

David Willey can bat. He is the new man and has just under two overs to demonstrate that. Morris is a good death bowler, though, and keeps England to six further runs.

"That just tailed in a little bit - a hint of late inswing, reverse-swing."

"England's innings is faltering a touch, but that's hyper-critical given the excitement so far."

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

Good over from Tahir, going for just two singles, one of which allowed new man Adil Rashid to score his first run.

"Moeen got two or three overs and he's got to wallop it somewhere. He's done good."

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Jack Ralston: Safe to say England have a very good future in ODI/T20 cricket. superb squad and depth.

Chris Jordan is the new man - no slouch with the bat. He gets off the mark first ball with a single. Morris almost ruins a decent over with a no ball, but he bangs the free hit ball right in at Jordan's toes to redeem himself.

SMS Message: All of a sudden England have an (in theory) incredible one-day batting line up, of solid but completely destructive players. If even a few fire at once then surely England are unbeatable. How did this happen? from Paul, at work in London

All of a sudden England have an (in theory) incredible one-day batting line up, of solid but completely destructive players. If even a few fire at once then surely England are unbeatable. How did this happen?

Back comes Morris. But it is not his day today as Stokes drives through cover-point for four to bring up 50.

""This is like third-string bowling, never mind second. There's more brains in a pork pie. It's brainless bowling."

Interesting move from De Villiers, who turns to the leg spin of Tahir. It would be fair to say it doesn't work as Stokes takes him for successive sixes, one over deep square-leg, the other mid-wicket. Moeen follows with a punch of his own through wide mid-on for four. This is now the highest ODI score on this ground. 400 back on.

Fair play to De Lange. He responds to being taken for six by firing in a good yorker. It seems to have caused a light bulb to go in the bowler's head as he continues down that length and goes for just four more.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Kristian, Leicestershire: I bet Kevin Pietersen still has a sulk about not being picked for England. As if he would get in.....     

Take that Marchant. Moeen Ali rocks back and knacks a short ball into the trees on the leg side. Massive. No wonder he's grinning. New ball please.

"Oh, my goodness me. That's silly fielding. I've always said about throwing at the stumps - unless you hit the stumps, it's going to cannon off for runs. They think they're being clever but it's being stupid."

Morkel bowls out and bowls out well, although he is let down by Morris, whose loose throw to try to run out Stokes catches the bat and runs away to the boundary for five. Needless to say, Morkel looks a tad upset.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Admiral Pickles: Does anyone else remember the days when we had absolutely no idea how to play ODI cricket? Brilliant innings from Buttler.

Andy Sykes: Buttler's knock in this game compared to his previous failures in tests show how much cricket is played in the head.

Wyndham Hacket Pain: I think it is fair to say that England have never had a one day player more talented than Jos Buttler.

Moeen Ali is a very different player to Jos Buttler, but he can be very effective in his own way. He illustrates this by hammering a drive for four to get off the mark.

"You've got to acknowledge Buttler - he's got a wide range of wonderful shots. You've got to clap him for that. You can talk about the better pitches and big bats but he has a wonderful array of shots."

"The hundred is not a surprise to me. He's too talented. That's a rare talent - he should have moved up the order long ago."

With Buttler now having passed that 100 milestone, you really fear for South Africa in the remaining overs. He underlines the threat he poses by whipping out a ramp shot to bring him four more off Morkel.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

What an innings for Buttler. He gets a bit lucky with an edged swat that brings him four past Quinton de Kock, but he has earned that and brings up his century with a push for two.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Ed Laslett: What a cricketer Jos Butler is.

Robin Daniel: There's only one Jos Buttler.

Scott: Some serious hitting from @josbuttler here. Absolutely savage.

Farhaan Behardien, South Africa's sixth bowler, is thrown back into the lion's den. He's already fetched it for 32 runs off three overs, which Stokes adds to by pulling for four through mid-wicket. England pass 300.

Josh, Liverpool: Buttler getting himself an IPL deal here #brutal   

South Africa will just be desperate to get back in the clubhouse for some ham sandwiches and quartered pork pie now. They've still got 10 overs to go, though, after De Lange is taken for just five off his latest.

"Hopefully he hasn't hit somebody on the head. Successive sixes by Jos Buttler. It's a day not to slumber if you're in the crowd."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

These two are stepping on the accelerator again. Buttler reverse pulls the first ball of the returning Duminy for four before slapping one over mid-off for six and then another on to the bank over mid-wicket. Brutal. Just brutal.

"It looked like a speculative throw from Morris but he has hit from 35 yards. Buttler had to dive but half his bat was over the line."

It is no coincidence that as soon as South Africa move away from Morkel or Tahir, the runs start to flow again. Stokes takes De Lange for successive boundaries - a drive through extra cover and then a pull to the mid-wicket boundary. The over ends with a scare for Buttler, who has to dive to make his ground at the non-striker's end as Morris hit the stumps directly with a throw from just inside the circle.

England's momentum has taken a hit. The wickets of Root and Morgan and some tidy bowling from Tahir and Morkel have made 400 look a much tougher task. Spinner Tahir keeps the tourists to just three more runs. 

AFPCopyright: AFP

The new man is Ben Stokes. Good news for South Africa is that Stokes has no recent form for teeing off against them. Ahem.

Stokes watches from the non-striker's end as Buttler steers a short ball off Morkel for four. If I was you, I wouldn't go anywhere for the next 14 overs. You might miss some serious fireworks.

Oh, that was nearly an absolute belter of a catch from Farhaad Berhadien. Buttler pulls a full toss from Tahir to the deep backward square-leg boundary, where the fielder dives full stretch and has the ball in his left hand but loses it when he lands. He deserves a tip of the hat just for the effort alone.

"Morgan didn't quite get to the pitch of it, but he was doing the right thing, trying to keep this momentum going."

"Morgan didn't quite time that one and Morkel took an easy catch at waist height."

Buttler has been off strike in the last few overs but Morgan is looking to pick up where the Lancashire man left off. Not an easy task, though, against South Africa's best bowler Morne Morkel, who varies his pace and keeps his seventh over to just three runs. 

"There's so many options there and England got to explore a few - putting in Buttler at four. If he stays there, anything is possible. He continues to astound."

It must be great to bat in circumstances like this. No pressure, chance to be creative. Morgan is exactly that as he drops to one knee and dinks a paddle shot past Quinton de Kock off Tahir for four. He then reverse sweeps for another boundary. It is almost taking the mickey.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Oliver Bunting: This has all the makings of that Aus v SA classic from a few years back. Don't count out SA taking our attack to task in reply.

Morgan is in on the act. He skips down the track and flays a Morris delivery to the mid-off boundary. The skipper knows that he needs to keep the momentum going. He and Buttler have a drinks break now to plan their assault.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

• 408-9 v New Zealand, Edgbaston, 2015
• 391-4 v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge, 2005
• 365-9 v New Zealand, The Oval, 2015
• 363-7 (55 overs) v Pakistan, Trent Bridge, 1992
• 355-5 v Pakistan, Dubai, 2015

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

So are we still working to the theory that you double your score from 30 overs? If so, this is going to be an absolute monster of a total. ABDV calls on Tahir to welcome the new man to the crease. It's a tidy over, going for just three.

"Was there just a flicker of reverse swing? More likely is that he had a few deliveries where the timing was awry, he got fed up, then he just played across a ball of full length. He's been the glue for England and played very well." 

Morkel watches dejected as Buttler punts another over wide mid-off for four. It is a look that, like Blakey from On the Buses, says 'I 'ate you Buttler'.

"You could say that, by the standards of today, it's a pedestrian knock. But, with the all the guys around him, Root is playing the perfect knock for England."

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

Root steers a short ball to the boundary and that is his 50. He really is a remarkable player. He scores runs more efficiently than any player in world cricket, without you even realising he's doing it. It's almost ninja-like.

"There's four zebras outside my window. When I woke up this morning I thought I was in the wrong place. I thought I'd be locked up. You don't expect to see striped pajamas in Bloemfontein."

Buttler is eyeing every ball as a potential boundary now, for better or worse. He looks to smash Farhaan Behardien over mid-on but misjudges and edges the ball just short of Hashim Amla at cover. Any psychological edge SA may have gained for that they screw up and chuck away by having too many men inside the circle for the next ball. To add to the nonsense, Buttler is bowled from the free hit.

Root rubs salt in the wound by pulling for six to deep mid-wicket. I used to be a bowler. Not a very good one. I know how this feels.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"England's highest ODI score is the 408-9 they made against New Zealand at Edgbaston last summer. They should make that here." 

APCopyright: AP

Buttler punches Morkel through leg for four more to go to a brilliant 34-ball half-century. But the bowler gets some revenge soon after with a short ball that fires into the batsman's body. No pain Jos, no pain. Don't even rub it lad. 

"Normally they get out because they're not sure whether to hit it for four or six. Here he didn't know whether to defend or push a single."

Thanks Steph. Fine work, sir. Well, this is going well. I've got a swine of a cold but this - and some lemony-tasting stuff in a mug - is pepping me right up. I almost cursed the whole think in my first over as Buttler looks to turn one to leg off Farhaan Berhadien and drops it just short of the bowler. Buttler wouldn't have been able to look himself in the mirror if he chucked away this start to that. Six off the over.

Some chap called Raymond James has just emailed tms@bbc.co.uk with a February printing offer. That's very kind, but I have no need for business cards, Raymond. De Villiers summons Morne Morkel, with Root, the silent partner, late-cutting for four. I'm off to research England's ODI batting records, so here's Phil Dawkes.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"I hope Jos Buttler does get an IPL offer, I hope he does go and I hope he does well."

Farhaan Berhadien is the latest lamb to the slaughter, his Chris Harris-style medium-pace is biffed back down the ground by Buttler, who might as well be batting against an under-11 side. There's a boundary through point and a drive through the covers too. The 50 partnership comes up in exactly six over. AB de Villiers, the South Africa captain, looks like a man with a worry list longer than Adrian Mole. "My bowlers are getting smashed, I don't really want to be Test captain, did I turn the cooker off, the weak Rand, the Zika virus..."

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

"England could - I won't say should - get 400."

England really could, and probably should, get 400 from here. It's like watching a highlights package at the moment, with Jos Buttler's only decision if he's going to hit the ball for four or six. JP Duminy back on, a hoik for six over mid-wicket, then a reverse sweep for four. This bloke is part brute, part magician.

"If any decent baseball teams were here they would be looking at De Lange and wondering what he was doing. There is no change of pace. It is straight up and down. The best bowlers have changes of pace and delivery. You can't just keep running up and bowling on a pitch like this, especially to someone like Buttler, who will just kill you."  

Even when it looks like South Africa might sneak in a quiet over, Buttler's innovation finds a boundary. That's probably why he's been promoted. First a walk across to pull De Lange for four, then an outrageous step to whip over mid-wicket for six. There's not much wrong with the ball, and it was over 90mph, but Buttler has swatted it away. Unreal.

Today’s #QSTeaser from @QuestionofSport: Who are the 6 players to have scored over 6000 ODI runs for South Africa? Stay tuned for the answers later...

It still is Tahir, who doesn't dare offer the slightest hint of air, firing his leg-breaks down a tube at the pace of a seam bowler. Not that it stops Buttler from having a dance, with a quick-step worthy of Strictly resulting in a drive lofted over long-off and on to the roof of the stand. Sixer.

"I think this is a key phase now for England. I don't think Duminy has much to offer so they will go after him. De Villiers will have to use Tahir sensibly."

I'm told that there have been droughts affecting central South Africa. Evidence is here in the shape of the scorched outfield. This is much better by De Lange, who is sporting the sort of whispy moustache you might see on the face of a teenager. Only one from it.

Back comes Imran Tahir, perhaps in an attempt to bamboozle the new batsman. Buttler, happy to have a look before he tickles the accelerator, sniffs a couple of forward defensive strokes and helps himself to a pair of singles.

"England clearly want to give Jos Buttler some time at the crease and also keep that momentum and aggression coming."

A huge statement of intent from England, who promote Jos Buttler to number four. Imagine how many they'll have if he bats the remaining 32 overs. He watches from the non-striker's end as Root clips for four. Replays of the Hales dismissal don't make the shot look any better.  

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"Hales didn't quite get into the right position there, but there was a nip and it got a bit high on the bat and awkward for the batsman. That is frustrating for him because he had that platform."

AFPCopyright: AFP

"Hales has paced his innings really well. Although he was in Roy's shadow a bit early on he was still going at a run a ball. It is a real skill to be able to accelerate like he has. We know he is under a bit of pressure but his whole approach today has been spot on."

I'm not entirely sure what happened there, but they took drinks after only five balls of the over. Did they need a break while they found the ball that Hales sent to the stands?

"There is a good opportunity here for England to take on Duminy. He does not get much turn and doesn't have a lot of variety. On this wicket, if he tosses one up Hales will put everything through it down the pitch."

AB de Villiers decides that Tahir isn't cutting the mustard and goes back to the part-time offies of JP Duminy, who has probably been the pick of the bowlers so far. Pick of the bowlers? Try telling that to Alex Hales. A shimmy, a free swing, a one-legged follow-through, a huge biff over long on. Whallop.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"This is really important for Hales because of the scenario round the Test series. It's important he stamps his mark today. He's been patient and picked up the pace. It's a great start but he needs to keep going, especially on this wicket."

APCopyright: AP

A half-century for Alex Hales, one of the more simple he will make in ODI cricket and certainly a big contrast from his struggles in the Test series. A third ODI fifty in 40 balls has been aided by some woeful bowling, but he's still had to put them away, mainly with drives through the covers and down the ground.

"I was speaking to former South Africa bowler Makhaya Ntini outside and he said this was his favourite wicket to bowl on - because it forces you to think how to put pressure on the batsmen."

It's almost like watching a game of Stick Cricket. Ball bowled, usually nowhere near the place it should be, with the batsman choosing his spot and belting it to the boundary past a fielder diving like an extra from Platoon. It's hard to judge a score before both teams have batted and yes, it's a good deck, a lightning outfield and a scorching day, but you have to think England will bowl better than this. Tahir to Hales, four through the covers.

Joe Thomas: In an under 15s game, we were bowled out for 5... All of which were extras.

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

Seriously, what is going on with the South Africa pace bowlers? Have they got a collective case of the yips? Or have the decided that an array of half-volleys and long hops is the best way to bowl on this belting deck? Chris Morris back for Morne Morkel, too short and pulled for four by Hales. Any chance of some top-of-off-stump action? The poles never move. England have scored 101 runs off the bat, with 65 of those coming on the leg side. The bowling has been absolute dross.

"Root likes to attack spinners but the way he does it is off the back foot. He doesn't like to lunge or go down the pitch. He drags the spinner a bit fuller in length and then attacks."

More spin, this time the leggies of Imran Tahir, ranked the fourth best ODI bowlers in the world by the ICC. Beardy, elastic-limbed stuff from Tahir, who drags down an awful half-tracker for Root to pull for four.

"They were special shots from Alex Hales. They were good balls by anyone's books but he swung through the line. AB de Villiers and Morkel now need to think - do they need a straight man on the boundary."

Email Message: Many years ago playing in my school’s U10s team, we bowled the opposition out for 56. At tea joked with our teacher we would be back early. We were correct. All out for 9 in reply.

from David Smith

Many years ago playing in my school’s U10s team, we bowled the opposition out for 56. At tea joked with our teacher we would be back early. We were correct. All out for 9 in reply.

News from Dubai, where the UAE have rallied to 61-8. Morne Morkel fights with his line, desperately trying not to get too straight. In his battle of the giants with Hales, the England opener plonks one back down the ground for four, the first boundary in 24 balls. And again, this time over mid-wicket. Morkel pays the price for bowling too full.

Oli Guy: My clubs cricket team once bowled a side out for 4, 2 of the 4 were extras.

Matt Bodsworth: Our U15s side a few years ago were bowled out for 13 with extras top scorer on 7... Three of us got a golden duck.

Still Duminy, now with the luxury of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle. Singles on the menu - we've well and truly arrived in the mid-overs of an ODI. When Root gets an inside edge, Morne Morkel is forced to chase to fine leg like a man running for the last bus.

"Sometimes groundsmen know when the big screen is really on them, so they save their Test pitch and work hard on them to make them really good. I assume that is what has happened here."

After the storm, the calm. The chaos caused by Jason Roy seems to have abated, with both teams now taking a deep breath. Good stuff from Morne Morkel, targeting the sticks to keep Hales honest. When he gets a little too straight, there's cover at fine leg. The end of a very good powerplay for England.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

This is an interesting move. Spin into the attack in the ninth over in the shape of JP Duminy. I think this a two-pronged plan. One to stem the tide, and another because AB de Villiers doesn't fancy Joe Root against off-spin - Dane Piedt had Joe in trouble during the final Test. Decent start from Duminy. I reckon we'll see plenty of slow stuff from both sides. 

Nicholas Smith: Captained an under-15 side which were bowled out for 19. Match finished within 45 minutes and the last ball was a wide.

Isn't it amazing that the basics of sticking the ball in the right place can actually bring a wicket? Whereas De Lange was bowling like a hosepipe than had been left unattended, Morkel got the ball in the right place to create a chance, then take a wicket. Joe Root the new man.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

"That is part of the deal with Roy. It is a great start, but with Roy you will get exasperated that he has raced to 48 and is shredding the attack but then you get a dismissal like that. He was just leaning back a bit, not sure whether to go over the top or not. He was annoyed. He clearly saw the opportunity for a really big score."

South Africa call on Morne Morkel to clean up the mess created in the first seven over. He almost makes something too, with Roy guiding a lifter past the dive of first slip for four. If there had been a second slip, it would have hit him in the face...

I'm not sure I can keep up with this. Yet another boundary, this time when Hales drives Morris through the covers. Maybe time to change the bowling skipper? In the City of Roses, South Africa are wilting in the heat - and there's still 43 overs to go. 

George Warren: Playing for my village team and chasing a 'mediocre' 145, we were 0-4 after 10 overs. 10 consecutive maidens. We ended up 36 all out.

Sixer! This is cricket on fast forward. Another awful ball from De Lange, short and helped over square leg by the rampaging Roy. De Lange is bowling an absolute bag of nails.

"To me, if you bowl a length ball and he plays a shot like that one Roy just played you put your hand up. But this is what is going to happen when you have bowled so inconsistently. The batsmen's confidence is up, you are going to get smacked."

Rex FeaturesCopyright: Rex Features

It's all going England's way. When Roy top-edges a De Lange bouncer, it flies to where fine leg would have been. Only problem is, fine leg is up in the circle. Four, followed by a disdainful loft over the off side for yet another boundary. That's the shot of the day so far. The 50 partnership has come in only 36 balls.

Adam Runnalls: League game in Cornwall, bowled first, dismissing our opposition for 13... we lost. #homebythree.

Roy's knee comes through the test of a sprinted two to fine leg, with Morris eventually completed a much-improved over. England's run-rate is back to a sedate eight an over.

"Did you play with the physio at Yorkshire that they called 'Reckless Eric'?"

Geoffrey Boycott: "Yeah, they called him 'The Beast'."

Simon Hughes: "He was so vicious with the way he manipulated people when they were injured that players would always stay on the pitch."

Roy is back up, five backroom staff have returned to the dressing room. He skips about then gets ready to face Morris once more.

This is all very odd, not even dangerous enough to be called innocuous. Roy is on the turf, with his pad off, being tended to. Meanwhile, AB de Villiers dishes out a rollocking to his players.  

Chris Morris has finally located the stumps, homing in on the three wooden poles behind Jason Roy which he previously thought were just there for decoration.

What's happened here? Roy pushes one into the leg side, goes nowhere. The ball is thrown in, hits the stumps. Roy is safely back, then looks for a single as the ball rebounds. Then he goes down in a heap. A knee problem?

Peter in Yalding: Big big call to leave Stuart Broad out. I can't imagine he' s going to be too chuffed after being called in to the squad. Perhaps his drink-carrying skills are equal to his bowling skills!

If you want a contrast to events in Bloemfontein, I'm told that UAE are 7-5 inside four overs in a T20 against the Netherlands. That's some top-order failure. Do let me know if you've seen/been involved in something worse than that.

"I don't see De Lange as a one-day bowler. He is an impact bowler to get wickets. But in one-day you are queuing up to get after someone like him."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

This is getting silly. Short from De Lange, Roy playing the most wonderful turn off his hips for yet another boundary. He's barely hit that, but the timing and a glass-like outfield see it run for four. 

"350 today at least. Probably more. That is the minimum."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

If it carries on like this, England will get 500. Continuing our meal-time theme, South Africa's new-ball bowlers are serving up a buffet of two lengths and two lines. Wide on the off side or too straight, too short or too full. Morris again, with a wide half-volley eased through the covers by Hales, before Roy whips a leg-stump delivery through mid-wicket for four more.

"He is a big lad this Marchant de Lange. He hits the deck. When he first burst on to the scene I thought 'wow, where has he been?' But since then they tell me he is either too full or too short. If the former Australia keeper Rodney Marsh was watching these two bowlers he'd call them pie chuckers."

The extremely well-built Marchant de Lange shares new-ball duties, hurling the white leather down with the whip of a catapult. Pacey, up at 90mph, but not accurate, with England working the ball on both sides of the wicket. It's a big ground, so expect plenty of twos and threes. The last ball is on Roy's hips and clipped fine for four. Pretty awful start from the Proteas.

Tom Hanson: It seems that the ECB selectors are heightest! That must be the only reason they haven't picked Titch Taylor!

Picture-perfect stuff in Bloemfontein, sunshine bathing a manicured outfield. Morris finds his radar in the second half of his first over, but the damage had already been done.

"How often does a bowler bowl too wide and then too straight at the batsman's legs? It is like if you're playing golf and you knock one past, you can be sure you'll put the next one short. You panic."

It's a nervy start from Morris, who is too wide of off stump from his first ball, then too straight to be clipped through mid-wicket for four by Roy. When Morris overpitches again, Roy spanks a drive through the covers for four more. England off to a flier.

Aaron Bohlman: And for the first time in a long time, the T20 and ODI team is basically the same personnel.

Jason Roy is scratching at the ground, underneath a wonderful sky of blue and white clouds. Chris Morris is the man with the ball. England are in their royal blue, South Africa in bottle green.

The players have lined up for the anthems, with England belting out a particularly rousing version of God Save the Queen. The South African national anthem, which I think has two different names, is a more melodic number.

ODI series

• 3 Feb: 1st ODI, Bloemfontein, 11:30 GMT
• 6 Feb: 2nd ODI, Port Elizabeth, 11:30
• 9 Feb: 3rd ODI, Centurion, 08:00
• 12 Feb: 4th ODI, Johannesburg, 11:30
• 14 Feb: 5th ODI, Cape Town, 08:00

Twenty20 series

• 19 Feb: 1st T20, Cape Town, 16:00
• 21 Feb: 2nd T20, Johannesburg, 12:30

"A lot depends on AB de Villiers for South Africa. I expect a big-scoring match - big totals. But if England get 300-plus, it doesn't mean they're going to win."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Andrew Lawton: Moeen and Rashid? Are England expecting big turn this afternoon? Very harsh on James Taylor (again).

Test Match Special is back, hitting the airwaves from Bloemfontein. You can listen by hitting the live coverage tab at the top of this page, or on 5 live sports extra. 

Northern Horners: This series should prove a real measure of just how far this Eng ODI side has come. I for one think they'll be up to the task.

Thomas Measures: Can't believe Taylor not in the starting XI, but then looking at the line up I cannot see a place for him.

Got all that? Happy with the England team? If not, who would you have included? How do you see this one going? Good toss to win?

And, if we're talking about desserts, cheesecake is king, right? Nothing beat cheesecake.

Text 81111, tweet using the hashtag #bbccricket or email tms@bbc.co.uk.

South Africa: Amla, De Kock, Du Plessis, De Villiers, Duminy, Rossouw, Behardien, Morris, M Morkel, De Lange, Tahir.

England: Roy, Hales, Root, Morgan, Stokes, Buttler, Moeen, Jordan, Willey, Rashid, Topley.

Umpires: Chris Gaffaney, Shaun George.

TV umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka); Match referee: Javagal Srinath (India).

A sign of the way this England ODI team is improving is the quality of the players who can't get in the team. James Taylor, who got a hundred in the only warm-up match, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad sit out. Opener Jason Roy is fit and Chris Jordan, David Willey and Reece Topley make up the pace attack.

With the possible exception if the injured Steven Finn, is this England's best ODI XI?

South Africa captain AB de Villiers: "I probably would have batted, but I'm not too unhappy.

"Our last memories of ODI cricket are a really good series in India. It's up to us to keep that momentum going."

England captain Eoin Morgan: "The guys who played in the Test series will hopefully take that into the one-day series. 

"We're going to continue to test ourselves in one-day cricket. South Africa are a really strong side but we're looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

An easy decision for Eoin Morgan. It's el scorchio in Bloemfontein, looks like a belting day to bat.

We await confirmation of the teams...

Skippers on the way, time to flick the coin...

Which, in a needlessly complicated way, brings me to Bloemfontein, and the first of England's five one-dayers against South Africa.

In the year since a diabolical World Cup campaign, England have turned themselves into a decent white-ball team through the radical policy of picking players that are good at limited-overs cricket.

South Africa, second best in the Tests, are coming off one-day series wins against New Zealand and India.

Should be decent.  

What makes a good dessert?

A splash of sweet stuff, maybe packing a punch, some colour, ultimately leaving a good taste in the mouth and not leaving you feeling too full.

Which sounds a lot like a decent ODI.

A modern-day cricket tour is a bit like a four-course meal.

You have your warm-ups as a starter, then a meaty main course of Test matches.

It all gets finished with a cheese board of T20 and, in between, there's some one-day internationals for dessert.