The tourists missed Strauss's conviction in marshalling the side in the field and his batting is always valuable because he is such a fluid player when he is in form.

I believe that if England can play with freedom and confidence - just like South Africa did at Centurion - then they can be successful in the one-day series, but they must also be brave.

I have heard murmurings that if Denly does not perform straight away in South Africa then Jonathan Trott will be pushed up to open the batting with Andrew Strauss. Frankly, that would be absurd.

I back Trott to score big runs in South Africa and his performance in the final Ashes Test at the Oval told me everything I needed to know about his temperament and technique.

England have always been a confidence side and if the squad can settle quickly then who knows how successful they can be against a South Africa side never lacking in that department.

England's selections have thrown up more questions than answers, but Cook, Mahmood and Trott all need to make their mark, and quickly.

Somerset and Sussex did not set the Champions League on fire, but that was mainly to do with their inexperience of playing Indian conditions.

I would certainly not expect wholesale changes to the side, but you may well see a few key players withdrawn and opportunities presented to others.

Everyone has been talking about the possible advantage the IPL sides have, but I do not agree: they barely ever play together as franchise teams and that is a pretty significant disadvantage if anything.

Watson was the dominant player with his stunning century, but White played a key role in supporting him and his innings was just as valuable.