Bavuma defends chastened Proteas and English attacks: 'Maybe appreciate the quality batting'

Temba Bavuma has come to the defence of both the Proteas and England bowling attacks after they were generally carted to all parts in the ODI series, which concluded with a consolation 59-run here for the visitors on Wednesday night.

Steady economy rates and regular scalps were in short supply in a three-match skirmish that saw South Africa's rotated attack conceding, on average, a total of 320.

World champions England weren't exactly much better with a figure of 310.

But the Proteas skipper believes that focusing too much on those struggles detract from the fact that the batting was quite outstanding.

Indeed, for the first time in a substantial while, local pitches consistently favoured the willow, which brought with it the added factor of the home side's bowlers not having inherent assistance. 

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"It's a hard one," said Bavuma, who ended the series with 180 runs at an average of 60 and strike rate of 115. 

"Even from a batters' point of view, the wickets were very good. I guess that's what you expect in ODI cricket. Both teams came out in an aggressive fashion and really tried to put the bowling attacks under pressure."

South Africa's beleaguered batting order - regularly criticised recently for lacking oomph - did stand up well as at least one different player took the lead in each of innings.

On Wednesday it was Heinrich Klaasen, who's brilliant 80 off 62 deliveries gave his side real hope of claiming a sensational if improbable 3-0 series win.

"We're getting challenged as a batting group to adopt a different mindset," he said.

"We always are positive, but the implementation is now more ruthless. If the shot is on, you play it over