Alex Hales scored 57 from just 47 deliveries as England beat South Africa by 39 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method in Bloemfontein yesterday.

The former Chesham Grammar School pupil also played his part in the field as he caught Faf du Plessis off the bowling of Moeen Ali for 55.

The result puts England 1-0 up in the five match series with four to play ahead of a trip to Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Hales’ knock was his third half century in ODI’s and played an important role in establishing England as they set a total of 399-9, their second biggest in the one day format of the game.

The opener was not alone in his success with the bat as he was joined by Joe Root and Ben Stokes in making fifties.

The day undoubtedly belonged to Jos Butler though as the wicketkeeper smashed 105 form 76 deliveries to take the match away from the hosts.

South Africa’s response was developing well as they posted 250 from 33.3 overs, largely down to Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten 138, before a torrential downpour stopped play and left them at the mercy of the Duckworth-Lewis method.