Hero Strauss simply keeps getting better

What is more, of course, Strauss still has power to add, beginning in Durban on Boxing Day.

"They've been a great eight games to play in," said the left-hander, who now boasts a Test average of nearly

58. "It's brilliant to play alongside some very good cricketers. It rubs off on you when you come into the side."

It was Strauss who led the way here, though, with others delighted to follow him.

His first-innings century set the platform for what should have been a huge, rather than a handy, lead. Then, when the pressure was really on yesterday with England wobbling at 11 for two in search of a victory target of 142, Strauss looked as solid as a rock.

"I think his attitude is absolutely spot on," said Vaughan in answer to the obvious question - what has turned Strauss the promising county player into Strauss the emphatic Test batsman?

"He's a level-headed sort of guy who doesn't get too high when he does well and doesn't get too low when he does badly.

"Technically he is pretty good but, more importantly, his mental side is excellent. It was pretty tough batting here from the third day onwards but he just made it look very easy.

Andrew's going to be a great player for us for many years if he keeps working as he is. And although he works very hard at his game, he's also quite laid back away from cricket, which I think helps."

Even though Strauss and Graham Thorpe had eased the tension a little last night by guiding their team to 93 for three, there were still another 49 runs to be gathered today - and talk of fast-approaching thunder storms.

"I must admit I woke up at six o'clock this morning and the first thing I did was look out the window," said Vaughan. "And there was a big black cloud."

A gloomy weather forecast did nothing to soothe English nerves and the clouds were gathering by the time Graeme Smith led South Africa on to the field - swiftly followed by Strauss and Thorpe.

Still, starting 13 minutes early, because of last night's premature finish, was a bonus for the batsmen and their well-wishers. Of the 1,000 or so spectators inside St George's, at least 900 appeared to be willing the visitors to victory. They didn't have long to wait, either, for good reason to cheer.

Strauss countered Dale Steyn's early swing by straight driving a couple of runs, then leg-glanced Shaun Pollock's first ball for four.

The sky was darkening by the minute but Strauss brought a real shaft of light to proceedings when latching on to Steyn's short ball and pulling the meatiest of sixes.

Apart from a thick-edged four that flew to third man, the opener seldom used anything other than the middle of his bat while the canny Thorpe was content to pick up singles.

Pollock promised last night that South Africa would fight to the end. But, despite his best efforts, the end came just 36 minutes after the start of play this morning and in fewer than 10 overs. With the finishing line now close enough to touch, Strauss pulled Ntini for his 11th four and then cut a 12th boundary before joining Thorpe in a victory hug.

The pair had added an unbeaten 95 and England's margin of victory was, on paper at least, as convincing as that partnership.

Overall, though, Vaughan and Co know they can do a lot better.

Steve Harmison may have enjoyed his three-month lay off from competitive bowling but he struggled for rhythm and accuracy here and, on a slow pitch, was picked off comfortably by most of South Africa's batsmen.

As for their batting, England were not ruthless enough in the first innings. Having passed South Africa's total of 337 for the loss of only four wickets, they really ought to have won by an innings. "I thought we thoroughly deserved to win the match," said Vaughan. "But if we are honest - and we are an honest team - we didn't play to our potential. South Africa were there for the taking after the second day but we didn't quite nail home the advantage and win in a comfortable fashion as we should have done.

"I'd like us to improve on this performance when we get to Durban. And I'd like to see us go 2-0 up there so we are dominating the series.

"But that will take a lot of hard work because I'm told it's very hot and humid in Durban at the moment."

There is no doubt which side has most room for improvement, however. South Africa skipper Smith gave his side "six and a half out of 10, probably lower" after this defeat.

"England are confident and confidence is a key factor," said Smith. "Obviously ours is not as high as it could be. But they have walked a long and hard road together and now they are reaping their rewards. We are a young and inexperienced team."

Smith clearly wants some stability at management level, where South Africa have just changed their coach and chairman of selectors for the fourth time in five years.

But what he needs most, one suspects, is the return of senior players like Herschelle Gibbs, Nicky Boje and Mark Boucher.

Tomorrow's squad announcement will reveal whether his wishes have been granted.