Boyd, who went on to net his 21st goal of the season as the Scottish champions restored their 10-point lead, appeared to elbow Hibs midfielder Merouane Zemmama in the face three minutes before the break.

BBC: Walter Smith relieved over booking for Kris Boyd

But given that South Africa had been bowled out for 83 in Nottingham, England were firm favourites at the halfway point - a position only strengthened by the elbow injury to the tourists' regular captain Graeme Smith.

BBC: England win seals one-day series