England vs South Africa 2017: 2nd ODI, 5 talking points

Modified May 28, 2017 11:46 IST

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Ben Stokes of England celebrates his century on during the Royal London ODI match between England and South Africa at The Ageas Bowl on May 27, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) — Ben Stokes slammed the second hundred of his career

#3 Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers rattle England

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 27: England keeper Jos Buttler looks on as South Africa batsman Quinton de Kock hits a boundary during the 2nd Royal London One Day International between England and South Africa at The Ageas Bowl on May 27, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) — Quinton de Kock almost scored his second hundred since arriving in England

Any opposition will shake in their boots looking at the Proteas top order. Their top four are all in the top 10 of ICC's best batsmen list and are more than capable of changing the course of a game in no time.

Two of them, de Kock and de Villiers, looked free-flowing from the start and compiled a superb stand to give England a few headaches in the middle overs.

De Villiers was in sublime touch, as he was in Leeds, while de Kock seemed all set for his second hundred since landing in England. However, with the partnership on 96, Liam Plunkett produced the perfect bouncer, that had de Villiers ducking uncomfortably, only to glove the ball behind to Buttler.

De Kock fell soon after to a well flighted Moeen Ali delivery two short of his hundred and the onus was on the lower middle order to finish the game.