As in all top-class sport, the brain is as much a part of Test cricket as anything and no one is mentally stronger than Cronje. Sixty-eight for three is a tough situation for any batsman but Cronje played with assurance and was quick to recognise that the tide was turning in his partnership with Jacques Kallis and encouraged his young partner to continue to play positively.

There was much pre-match discussion about Ian Salisbury's role and how he might be a match-winner. Cronje knew this and so his crusade was to destroy any threat as soon as possible and he did this by good use of the feet and being prepared to hit over the in-field. Salisbury never settled and although none for 57 off nine overs was not totally reflective of his efforts, it did set the tone for the match. Salisbury might yet be a force but this mauling will test his resolve to the utmost and Cronje will be intent in ensuring he has no respite. For the moment, the South African captain has the upper hand.

Cronje's style is not completely textbook and at times he appears to have 'heavy feet', mainly because he does not get up on his toes to play off the back foot. It is a small flaw more than compensated for by his mental strength.

Yesterday, he played shots all around the wicket, accelerating his hands through the hitting area to ensure tremendous bat speed on contact.

Having played so well, it will be interesting to see what happens when South Africa take the field. Will Cronje continue in similar vein and attack with his bowlers or will he continue with South Africa's proven method of 'aggressive containment'? Clive Lloyd used it very successfully when the West Indies were at their peak. It is not pretty cricket and is hard to overcome but Cronje, having won a Test, will feel that England will need to do all the running.

Three hundred runs is a good result for South Africa but England, having taken seven wickets, will feel the match is still on an even keel.