Century for Salt in record-breaking second T20 as England beat South Africa

There’s been a lot of negativity around England’s white-ball performances in recent years, and much of it has been deserved.

Their 50-over World Cup defence ended in a dismal group exit in India in 2023 and they failed to win a match at this year’s Champions Trophy, which proved to be the final straw for Buttler’s captaincy.

Although they reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, the manner of their exit – bowled out for 103 by eventual champions India – was uninspiring.

Away from tournaments, they’ve lost five of their past six ODI series, including a 2-1 defeat against South Africa earlier this month. Their victory in Southampton came with the series already lost.

And after losing by 14 runs in Cardiff on Wednesday, albeit in a farcical rain-affected encounter, they arrived in Manchester once again in must-win territory.

England responded with style, providing plenty of cheer to warm the crowd on a chilly September evening and plenty of positives for Brendon McCullum.

Their batters, for example, dismantled what is, on paper, a high-quality bowling attack, with each member of the top four scoring valuable runs. It’s worth remembering, they also have Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith to call on.

With the ball, Archer, who missed out on Wednesday due to the wet conditions, was among the wickets, showcasing all of his variations and his faith in his body with a sharp caught and bowled. Curran, in just his second outing since his recall, bagged two of his own.

One swallow doesn’t make a summer, but here England were entertaining and undeniably brilliant.