3.10pm Well, it's not going to salvage the series, but it's a reminder of what power resides in this misfiring England line-up. They pass 400 for the second time this summer, and the first time against South Africa. And it will take a mighty chase for South Africa to make it 3-0... mind you, their forebears have previous for 400-plus chases...

One major blow for South Africa though... Temba Bavuma has a left calf strain. He'll only bat if required... sounds ominous.

The stars of the show were the centurions, Jacob Bethell - with his first professional hundred and the youngest by an England batter in ODIs for almost half a century, and Joe Root, with his 19th in the format. Jos Buttler applied some late humpty too. South Africa's bowling figures were not ones to crow about, although Keshav Maharaj was once again the pick. Alan will be here for the chase in half an hour or so.

Suren: "People might think its just dead rubber for England but if you look at 2027 CWC chances, this is a great first step for England to be on top of things and ensure they don't have to play a qualifier. Every match counts for them. "

Andrea: "Maharaj and Bosch the only wicket takers and Maharaj (most economical, whatever that means today) is not bowled out? Real head-scratcher"

Saifi: "Duckett and Smith look set as openers, Root is a GOAT, Bethell can do what England always endorse, Brook is exceptional, Buttler is finding his feet after taking off captain's pressure. Archer is as threatening as England would have hoped him to be, Wood is set to return, Jacks, Rashid, Carse seem fit to support these guys. England are building a strong unit for CWC 2027, they along with SA could slot themselves in the final!"

Over-rate penalty in play. Only four men out

So... it's nearly 3pm... we are due our chorus of mobile-phone pings!

Now then, Jacks has three overs to go for broke... herein lies the value of having a man used to batting in the T20 powerplay, in theory...