It’s been a long old summer for the seamers. In particular spare a thought for David Masters, who slogged through 557.2 overs, or at least 3,444 balls for his 45 wickets, more overs than anyone else in the country. In all eight seamers topped 50 wickets, none bettering Steve Kirby’s haul of 64, although Graham Onions would surely have done so had international appearances not limited him to seven games. But what else do the end of season averages reveal?

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There was a moment last night when it looked as if England’s chances of winning their first global one-day tournament were about to evaporate into the high-veldt night air. New Zealand – 84 without loss and 113 for one in pursuit of 147 – suddenly lurched to 140 for six. England could have won. They would have topped their group and headed into the semi-finals amid careless talk of impending triumph. It would have been a disaster.

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