England v South Africa: Maturing England produce their best performance of summer

You will fall for anything if you don't stand up for what you think is right.

England used to stand in the field for a long time before seeing their wickets fall in a loud noise.

The revolution has not only been about hitting the ball to all parts and playing chin music, but it has also been about other things.

A way of thinking is what it is. The experience of playing for England has been made enjoyable and players have been supported to the hilt. They hope that they will win some games of cricket.

The first Test against South Africa at Lord's was the biggest test of the Stokes-McCullum philosophy after four thrilling victories. England did not do a lot wrong but they weretimid.

England responded by putting in their best performance of the summer. The run-chases against New Zealand and India were not as exciting as the one against South Africa, but it was still a great win.

If you will.

They were aided by the fact that the Proteas picked a team for the fourth and final day.

South Africa ignored the conditions at the toss and chose to bat even though the sky was dark. England had the wrong end of the toss. Life is like that.

The opportunity was given to England and they had to take it. They did so with maturity that signaled an evolution of their positive vibes.

There were two sets of conditions in which England had to bowl.

It was a perfect day for swing and seam bowling. The ball was reverse-hooping. It was possible for England to exploit both.

James Anderson is 40 years old and still able to do tricks. Stuart Broad was the first change, while Ollie Robinson was the second change.

Hewed from granite, was not a man made of skin and bones. When he showed his captaincy brains, his 14-over spell on Saturday was pure brawn.

England has been trying to see how many slips they can pack into the cordon. In response to the dry surface in Manchester, he preferred to use the catchers in front of the bat.

As soon as he saw the ball reverse on Saturday afternoon, he adapted to ditch the bumpers in favor of hunting an edge, which was something he had not done before.

England's most intelligent batting of the summer was sandwiched between the two great displays in the field.

The four run-chases against New Zealand and India came on perfect pitches, but England were able to modify their method in order to cope with the pressure of the match.

flair was not abandoned. He scored the second fifty in his first hundred as captain. Ben Foakes hit his Test average this summer.

Zak Crawley responded to the debate surrounding his place with the most valuable 38 he will ever make. It took a peach from Anrich Nortje to get him out of the house.

The biggest compliment that can be given to England's batting is that this was their first win without Joe Root making a half century in more than two years. It's progress.

Alex Lees would have gotten a score if the two men were really greedy. England can't do much about their fast-bowling injury list when they need some out and out pace.

The series has changed in the last week.

South Africa have all the problems as England head to the decider with the wind in their sails. The man who held up England with 41 is out with a broken finger. The man looks like he's walking down the street.

The tourists have to make a decision on their attack. Marco Jansen should be recalled to bat at seven if they need a second spinner. Simon is so high in that spot that he is at risk of a nosebleed.

England's five wins this summer have all come batting second, even if the Old Trafford triumph was different to all the others.

It would be interesting to see them challenged in typical Oval conditions.

The only sane way to bat first is on a hot day. Is it possible for England to get a big score and then work out a way to bowl them out for 20 in the fourth day?

In the early summer of England's freshman year, the cricket equivalent of a freewheeling romp was played. They were able to learn something at Old Trafford.

Pakistan and New Zealand will be on tour in the winter.

The final exam before they leave the big, wide world is at the Oval.