T20 World Cup: ‘England’s defeat by South Africa not a time for panic, they can be contenders’

While it is true England depart St Lucia with their hopes of a semi-final place in the balance, they do so after a week of more positives than negatives.

Their fans can enjoy Gros Islet’s famous Friday Night Street Party with a degree of comfort.

This World Cup has been a rollercoaster of emotions for England fans – frustration, disappointment, excitement, rain and Scotland-related resignation and tension – packed into less than three weeks.

A night off is allowed.

England recovered excellently with the ball, having been struck for 63 in the powerplay by South Africa opener Quinton de Kock – one of their most regular tormentors in recent years.

Adil Rashid, who spent as much time off the field because of illness as on it the last time the two sides played in that Mumbai thrashing, brought about a halt in scoring that two seasoned Italian centre-backs would have been proud of.

South Africa hit eight boundaries in the first six overs but only one in the next six.

Jofra Archer, the bowler taken down early by De Kock, conceded 21 runs from his first over but only 19 from his remaining three.

England, and South Africa after them, also played their part in providing a match with enough fielding highlights to fill an entire reel.

Harry Brook and Sam Curran took two fine catches, as did Buttler, who also produced what is becoming a trademark run out from the wicketkeeper position.

For a team that looked like an ageing outfit on its last legs in India, they now look re-energised.

The beaming smile of Buttler in the aftermath of the Heinrich Klaasen run out was the opposite of his demeanour even three weeks ago.

Wins against Oman, Namibia and, most impressively, West Indies before this have lifted England’s mood from the terse opening days of the tour and in that moment it broke through.