Jofra Archer showed why England could not leave him out of their final World Cup squad as he bowled them to opening win against South Africa.
On a rainy day that saw England's first ODI against Pakistan curtailed to just 19 overs of play, Archer displayed both control and vicious pace to return figures of 1/6 from four overs.
On Thursday he returned to south London and once more — before Ben Stokes pulled off the impossible — was the star of the show, proving again that the step up to international cricket has been child's play for a bowler who has made his name in global T20 leagues.
While it was Archer's speed and movement off the pitch that impressed in that ODI against Pakistan, Thursday, on his World Cup bow, he showcased his ability to find success with the short ball, wreaking havoc on the Proteas batting line-up.
Hashim Amla has fond memories of playing at The Oval; it was the scene of his Test-best 311* in 2012. Today, however, he was sent back to the changing rooms for an extended period thanks to a striking blow to his grille from a rising Archer delivery. He eventually returned to the crease later in the match - a good sight for all to see - but in forcing him off early, South Africa were, quite literally, struck a hefty blow in their chase of 312.
Next came Aiden Markram. Gloriously talented, Markram has yet to truly demonstrate his Test-level excellence in the ODI format. He hinted at doing something special today with a luscious cover-drive off Chris Woakes that was followed by another hit through the covers off Archer. But Archer had the last laugh, finding extra bounce to catch the edge of Markram's push from the very next ball — Joe Root obliging with a neat grab at first slip.
And also against Archer, Du Plessis couldn't demonstrate similar genius with bat in hand. As a short-of-length ball rushed on him, his bat swished hard only send the ball high and long towards fine-leg. Moeen Ali did the rest, and Archer's impassioned cry told the tale.
Rassie van der Dussen has had a prolific start to his own international career, and got himself to another half-century, hinting at life in the South African chase. But Archer returned in the 32nd over to have the right-hander top-edge high into the air with the ball lobbing into the hands of Moeen at mid-on.
Archer's place in England's World Cup squad has been a debated topic for quite some time, but here he was finally at the tournament, and the occasion was one he was more than ready for. With figures of 3/27, he has confirmed that the decision to include him in the 15-man squad — despite his status as international newbie — is a sound one.
Du Plessis revealed the difficulties of facing Archer after the match, highlighting how there remains a sense of mystery to a player who has only played in five international matches (including today's game).
Du Plessis — victim of Archer's short-ball barrage — highlighted the effectiveness of the seamer's tactics.
"You can see towards the end - with Rassie [van der Dussen] - he bowls slower-ball, slower-ball, 80 per cent ball, 80 per cent ball and then a quick bouncer. There's some thinking behind it. When he does bowl that short one it is bit quicker than his other balls.
"When we get an opportunity to face England again we'll know how his short-ball is his wicket-ball. He's not necessarily a guy that will swing the ball as much as other bowlers but his short-ball will be his wicket-taking ball."