De Villiers warning shot for England

Any hopes England had of restricting South Africa dissipated once AB de Villiers was set. He went to a fourth ODI century

England were dispatched for a ground record-equalling 354 in their one-day international defeat at Newlands - and Hashim Amla suggested such totals could become the norm if AB de Villiers continues his rich form.

South Africa opener Amla has hit two half-centuries in as many attempts in this series, and it was his stand with captain Graeme Smith which helped lay the platform for de Villiers’ dominant 121.

A breathtaking exhibition of strokeplay brought the hosts’ new number three his fourth ODI century, and England had no answer as the hosts' 112-run victory levelled the series with two games to play.

Reflecting on de Villiers' knock, and casting his mind forward to tomorrow’s penultimate match in Port Elizabeth, Amla said: “AB is such a fantastic player. It is difficult to contain such an awesome player.

“If he gets the right platform and gets going, scores of 350 are on the cards all the time.”

Amla filled an enabling role with 86 at the top of the order in Cape Town, leaving him to recall a job well done as he continues his success as a batting replacement for injured all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

“Filling Jacques’ boots is close to impossible; he’s such a world-class performer, batting as well as bowling,” Amla pointed out.

“But it does give a lot of satisfaction, the fact that we set the game up. That is the openers’ job, and it was lovely to contribute.”

Amla’s call-up came only at the last minute when Kallis was ruled out of the series with a broken rib.

Hashim Amla has opened since Jacques Kallis' withdrawal, and knocks of 57 and 86 have strengthened that position

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“I didn’t expect to play,” he said. “But I think over the last couple of one-day series, I’ve kept managing to get a few games through injuries.

“So when Jacques’ injury came about, although it was unexpected, I suppose I had some experience to draw back on of getting into the team at short notice.

“Ever since getting my first opportunity opening the batting, I’ve always felt that spot was most suited to me and my style of play.”

South Africa arrive at St George’s Park, another venue where they have a formidable record, full of intent to consolidate their Newlands victory.

“We take a lot of confidence out of it, without a doubt,” said Amla. “Going 1-0 down was a setback, and you are always playing catch-up after that.

“But we came back really strongly - and we hope we can repeat the performance, if not better it.”

South Africa’s one concern is over the likely absence of strike bowler Dale Steyn, who suffered a hamstring strain and did not complete his full allocation yesterday.

Amla admits there is a hole to fill but believes - with Wayne Parnell and Morne Morkel returning to take eight wickets between them in Cape Town, and Charl Langeveldt still available - South Africa have the necessary resources.

“If Dale doesn’t play we will miss him dearly,” he admitted. “But the positive side is it gives someone else the opportunity to rise to the occasion.”