South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis says England are “fortunate” to have Cumbrian Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali in their side.

Both all-rounders played key roles in England’s 3-1 series victory against the Proteas.

Stokes, from Cockermouth, scored just shy of 300 runs in the four-match series and took seven wickets, while he was also involved in the field.

Meanwhile, England team-mate and fellow all-rounder Moeen bagged a series-high 25 wickets.

“It has been a tough time for us,” said Du Plessis, speaking after England had wrapped-up the series win on Wednesday.

“At times I felt we showed some real good fight, but England consistently came up with the answers all the time.

“The quality of the English bowling attack has been superb – they were relentless and, as a batting unit, we never really felt we could get on top of them.

“We also missed crucial catches and opportunities – Jonny Bairstow in the first innings [before he went to 99] and Moeen in the second [before he got 75].

“When you are playing quality sides, you have to take those chances to compete.”

“There is always one guy that comes in and blows the game away from you - that’s their real strength. They are fortunate to have all the all-rounders they have,” Du Plessis added to Sky Sports.

The Three Lions are next due to be in action next Thursday at Edgbaston when they are due to play the first game of their three-match Test match series against the West Indies.

Those Test matches will be followed by one T20 and then five one-day internationals against the same side.

Stokes, 26, will be returning to Cockermouth Cricket Club tomorrow.

He has been instrumental in bringing a PCA England Masters side to Cumbria to face Cockermouth Cricket Club – where England Test vice-captain Stokes began his cricketing career. The T20 match is due to start at 3.30pm.