Hansie Cronje and his team are a close-knit unit and their goal was two or even three-nil to overcome an Australian tour on which they played so well but had nothing to show for it.

If the truth be known they had their opportunities - quite a few in fact - and they will look back on this series knowing they should have won. The Trent Bridge second innings lost its way, letting England off the hook and who can forget Alec Stewart, Robert Croft and finally Angus Fraser denying a rampaging Allan Donald at Old Trafford.

So what went wrong for South Africa? Not much is the answer, though there are areas of real concern. The failure to get any decent starts from the openers was key to the South African batting being under so much pressure. Even Gary Kirsten, the rock of South African batting, struggled knowing everything rested on him. Jacques Kallis emerged as an all-rounder and coped well, but even he must have had negative thoughts knowing he would be in with the score at only 10 or 15. Gerry Liebenberg is undoubtedly a better player than his figures suggest but, for now, he needs to reinvent himself at a lower level.

Lance Klusener's untimely injury at Old Trafford was a great loss but, on the plus side, all the youngsters have enjoyed the tour. Paul Adams began promisingly though you got the feeling that, after the initial reaction to an unusual action, the more experienced England players felt they had his measure.

Mark Boucher and Makhaya Ntini both progressed sufficiently to ensure they will form, with Pollock and Kallis, a nucleus of young players around whom the future will revolve.

The captain, Hansie Cronje, will be down but his own form and that of Jonty Rhodes, both under a cloud regarding their batting positions prior to the tour, will be a source of inspiration for the triangular series.

There is no doubt umpiring did deflect the focus and not just for South Africa, but I couldn't help thinking that it had more effect on the visiting side. A good professional team will soon put that aside, something Cronje will be quick to point out.

To be truthful, I have sympathy with the players who privately have been disappointed by the lack of will of authorities to pursue vigorously the use of technology which will enhance the game in all aspects. One hopes all opinions are sought regarding technology for the good of the game.