SA's ODI magician Rassie hails 'special day' after stunning world champions England

Rassie van der Dussen says his match-winning innings in the first ODI against England in Chester-le-Street on Tuesday was part of a "special day".

The 33-year-old produced a masterclass - in shot-making and running between the wickets - as he hit just 10 boundaries in a career-best knock of 134 (117) in the sweltering Durham heat.

Those three hours at the crease - 174 minutes, at least - laid the foundation for South Africa's foundation that allowed them to post 333/5 from their allotted 50 overs that would ultimately be 62 runs too many for the world champions. 

Van der Dussen, in his 36 ODIs to date, now averages a staggering 74.95 in the format. 

This, however, is up there with one of his finest moments yet in a Proteas jersey. 

"It' definitely a special innings," said Van der Dussen after the match, which gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. 

"A hundred is always special, and with a crowd here coming up against the world champions, it set the tone.

"Thinking about it now, I think I played pretty well. I don't think I made too many mistakes and I think it was one of those days where the ball went into the gaps.

"It's a special day, and to be part of the win is what it's all about."

Van der Dussen also suggested that the Proteas looked more up for the match compared to their hosts, who had on Sunday completed a three-match series against India that they lost 2-1. 

"It's obviously a massive result for us, but in saying that, it's only one match of a long tour," he said.

"It has been a long few months. We came here only 10 days ago and knew we had to prepare well. It's a long tour and there is a lot of cricket still to be played."

On his own development in international cricket, Van der Dussen said it was about