Matt Prior was both delighted and relieved to have the best view in the ground at Trent Bridge as England's new 'Fab Four' tore South Africa to shreds and set up an amazing 10-wicket win.

Prior, back behind the stumps after seven months on the sidelines, equalled a one-day international record by taking six catches while the world's second best limited-overs side were being routed for 83. He said: "I was glad to be keeping wicket to our bowlers and not batting against them."

Although Jimmy Anderson failed to strike, he regularly touched 90 mph. And there was no stopping Stuart Broad (five for 23), Andrew Flintoff (three for 29) and Steve Harmison (two for four) as South Africa played like a team already on the plane home.

"For Fred and Harmy to be coming on first and second change behind Jimmy and Stuart is fantastic," said Prior, who put the finishing touches to his perfect day by hitting an unbeaten 45.

"The way Broady bowled was absolutely brilliant. Getting those early wickets is absolutely crucial, especially when you've got Flintoff and Harmison waiting in the wings."

Having been dropped after a poor tour of Sri Lanka, Prior is in a good position to judge what progress has been made under Kevin Pietersen's new leadership.

He said: "There is a different energy, a buzz. I'm not saying it was bad when I was there before but there has been an increase, definitely."

Next stop: The Oval on Friday. But with captain Graeme Smith (elbow) likely to miss the rest of the five-match NatWest series, South Africa have a mountain to climb. And plotting a way back from 2-0 down will be a huge challenge for their coach, Mickey Arthur, who is being linked with jobs at Middlesex, Surrey and Hampshire.