The "c-word" was mentioned, and many a pundit was expecting them to trip when it mattered. No way, and, even if they haven't entirely buried them, they have gone a long way towards erasing bad memories. This is a quality team with a great attitude.

Who deserves the plaudits? Let's start with the most unexpected: the groundsmen at Headingley and Lord's. I leave out the Oval, which, on a scale of 1-10, got a 2 - too good to produce an exciting match. The others contributed to what was one of the most intriguing test series in recent memory. It's just a pity that it wasn't over five matches.

Hashim Amla emerged to challenge Jacques Kallis as our most reliable batsman. He has a determination and ability to work out a plan that works for him. He and Gary Kirsten must be the calming influences that enable the team to think clearly.

It's hard to understand why it has taken Vernon Philander until he was 28 to make this impact. Languishing in domestic cricket must have been frustrating, and he took his opportunity to become a real force. Against right-handers he is potent and he has added subtle changes of pace to an impressive armory.

He has also added another dimension to an attack that hardly had any weaknesses. In many ways, this works against JP Duminy, who has potential as an offie, but with this attack will get few opportunities.

Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Kallis and Alviro Petersen have all done their bit. Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers perhaps didn't have as good a series as they would have hoped, but other teams will be asking if there is any weakness. Sadly, there won't be one until one or two of the older players retire.

The future is bright. Let's hope South African fans don't get carried away because there will be times when things don't go according to plan. We South Africans expect a high standard - and rightly so - but we must give the team a little slack.

This was a comprehensive victory. England's best were put to the sword. Graeme Swann, England's best bowler over the past 18 months, was completely negated.

It was good to watch how Amla and Kallis got on to, and sometimes outside, the off stump and worked him away consistently on the legside.

Swann had no answer and it showed how South Africa's planning has gone to the next level.

It has been fun to watch and let's hope the series against Australia in November has the same quality.