Paul Collingwood played the starring role as England produced a ’special performance’ to destroy South Africa in the second one-day international by seven wickets and go one up in the five-match series.

With the first ODI rained off and three more to come, the tourists have now been cut to 13/8 in the series outright market, with the draw no favourite at 13/10 and the Proteas now available at 5/2.

Andrew Strauss‘ men still have areas of their game to work on, not least the fielding as five catches were put down in Centurion, including three from the skipper, as South Africa were able to reach a competitive total of 250-9.

Collingwood took a brilliant catch in the field as well as two wickets from an economical six-over spell, but he took centre stage in England’s response with a fine unbeaten 105.

Jonathan Trott, who had also bowled a miserly seven overs, opened the innings with a fine knock of 87 as the pair put on 162 following the early dismissals of Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen.

Collingwood was delighted with a performance that marked his record-breaking appearance for England in ODIs in fine style.

“It was a big day for me on a personal note,” Collingwood told Sky Sports. “I thought the team put in a fantastic performance today. We were quite comfortable in the end.

“The wicket played really well throughout the day and it was a special performance by all the boys really.”

England will now look to continue their six-match winning run in ODIs against South Africa in Cape Town on Friday, although they are currently available at 13/10 with Graeme Smith’s men 8/13 favourites to level the series.