Game. Set. Smashed

While the Proteas may have let themselves down at crucial moments, nothing should be taken away from a determined England outfit that had a genuine matchwinner in Ben Stokes, writes Alasdair Fraser.

As the world learned about the sad passing of one of basketball’s favourite sons, the touring English cricket team wrapped up one of their most comprehensive Test series triumphs in South Africa since readmission

Since tea on Day 2 at Newlands it’s been all England. The emphatic conclusion is that our top order needs a compete overhaul – not a reconditioned engine.

The glaring fact staring all Proteas fans in the eye is that none of our top order scored a ton. Yes, Rassie van der Dussen was there – literally. It’s just that the plane never took off. But that century will come.

That South Africa never totalled 300 in the series was a direct symptom and needs to be remedied for the Test series against the Windies later this year. It was not fair that Quinton de Kock and the Proteas’ lower order had to save a few blushes throughout the series.

Credit must go to England. It’s a solid unit that is rebuilding and perhaps at an advanced stage compared to their counterparts. They could go on to challenge India in the final at Lord’s as the Test Championship runs its protracted course.

Only logical obstacle right now are the resurgent Aussies but with a box-office name like Ben Stokes, anything’s possible.

The Man of the Series does everything with 100 percent effort. Whether it’s sledging or shouting obscenities at fans or on the field of play, Stokes delivers with a unique passion.

Love him or hate him, Ben Stokes is one of modern-day cricket’s great gladiators. Whether it’s batting, bowling or fielding, the fiery ginger has the ability to turn a T20, an ODI or a Test match on its head and it should be celebrated.

For the Proteas it’s time to look forward and not dwell on the negatives. The ODI squad reads like a new era is fast approaching.

There will be changes and a shakeup. Those who take the opportunities up for grabs, though, will likely be on their way to the Windies for that Test series.

The focus for now, though, are England. Taking on the World Champions is no easy task and the Proteas will have their hands full in preserving their proud ODI record at home.

Sadly we won’t see Vernon Philander taking the new ball for South Africa again.

Big Vern may not have gotten the send-off he would’ve liked, but his career-bowling stats will last forever in the minds of Proteas fans – just like the basketball exploits and lasting memory of the legendary Kobe Bryant.