For much of their history, England could bat for a day in Test cricket and not score 300 runs. Until Eoin Morgan’s revolution a decade ago, they rarely threatened to reach 300 in 50-over cricket. And then, in a moment that produced a magnificent achievement, Harry Brook nudged a single into the offside. England had scored 300 in 20 overs.
“Three hundred, I never thought I’d see that,” said Jos Buttler, who did more than see it. He contributed a devastating, delightful 83 and was still surpassed as his opening partner, Phil Salt, powered on to 141. England made the third highest score in T20 international cricket but the two biggest came at the expense of the Gambia and Mongolia bowlers respectively. England pulverised South Africa for the second time in a week. After 414 runs in 50 overs in Southampton came 304 in 20 at Old Trafford.
