Andrew Strauss 6
Unproductive series with the bat, with top score of 54, although that single innings wrested crucial initiative in England’s victory in Durban. Calm, popular leader who provides enjoyable environment for players to flourish, but tactics and field placings sometimes questionable. If he was happy to bowl first at both Centurion and Cape Town, then why not under cloud cover on the most lively pitch of the series at Wanderers?
Alastair Cook 8
One of the three batting successes of the tour. Excellent hundred helped set up Durban win followed by twin fifties in Cape Town. Improving as a fielder, becoming adept at short leg.
Jonathan Trott 6
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A mixed series. Started it well with match-saving innings in first Test, and made a useful 42 in second innings in Cape Town, resisting for two and a half hours. Got starts in three other knocks without going on, and had unhappy final Test.
Kevin Pietersen 6
A disappointing tour after he played a key role in saving first Test with 81, his only fifty. Seemed some way off best form, and may have found it hard coming back after long lay-off.
Paul Collingwood 9
Comfortably the batsman of series. A fifty as well as a match-saving 26 not out from 99 balls in first Test; 91 in second; another match-saving innings of 40 in 276 mins in third; 47 & 71 in fourth. Brilliant catching at slip and fine fielding make it a tour to cherish.
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Ian Bell 8
Two vital innings saw him come of age: excellent 141 laid platform for Durban triumph and 78 in 284 mins crucial to great escape at Cape Town. Plays his best cricket for England at number six.
Matt Prior 6
Good innings of 60 and 76 at Durban and Cape Town respectively, but too many failures. Repeated dismissals to pull shots. Decent glovework behind the stumps with scarcely a chance spurned.
Stuart Broad 6
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A decent effort with the ball, but disappointing with bat. Excellent spell in Durban, and good economy rate throughout series, but could threaten a little more.
Graeme Swann 9
Joint England player of series with Collingwood. Off-spinners have traditionally struggled in South Africa but bailed out the pace attack with 21 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. Bold 85 helped save first Test. Strong case for switching him with Broad in order.
James Anderson 6
Sixteen wickets in series, including five in first innings at Cape Town. But one wicket in first innings at Centurion and 0-111 on lively Wanderers pitch with ball swinging was proof he is still prone to inconsistency. Batted stubbornly.
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Graham Onions 7
Eight wickets at 45 apiece in first three Tests did him scant justice. Heroic rearguards in first and third Tests when batted out last over on each occasion. Would have relished Wanderers where South Africans were relieved he was omitted.
Ryan Sidebottom 6
Bowled better than his figures of two for 98 in sole innings of series would suggest.