Samit Patel was the standout performer as England clinched the NatWest Series with a convincing win over South Africa at The Oval.

Having contributed 31 to England’s total of 296, Patel took 5-41 as the tourists were dismissed 126 runs short of their target.

He bowled Boucher and Botha, took a return catch off Albie Morkel, had Morne Morkel caught by Stuart Broad and Ntini edged to wicket keeper Matt Prior.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking at the start because it was my first time getting a bat but we have achieved our target of winning the series and all of the guys have worked hard,” said Patel.

“The pitch gave me a bit of help bowling to the left-handers and there was a bit of rough to work with. There are a lot of good one day bowlers and I’ve got to keep firing and work hard to stay in the team.

“The players have been fantastic and have welcomed me to the team and I couldn’t have asked for any more.”

England will target a series whitewash in the remaining fixtures at Lord’s and Cardiff and Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell believes that Patel will have a big part to play.

"Samit has had a fantastic day and he was fully-deserving of the man of the match award because of his all-round contribution," said Newell.

"He has shown that he can have an influence in England's one day side and he'll be looking to carry his form into the final two games of the series."