From the very second ball of the game, Marizanne Kapp and South Africa were convinced they had opener Tammy Beaumont lbw with a very convincing appeal, which was not awarded, and England’s opening pair went on to add 53 for the first wicket.

Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt batted fluently and appeared intent on getting her side to parity in the first innings before being given up lbw to Sophie Ecclestone at 65.

Wolvaardt was furious as she left the pitch, banging her bat against her helmet and mumbling that she had hit him – a reaction for which she was eventually fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

But the most controversial decision – although it had less impact on the final result of the game – came in South Africa’s second innings, when England asked for a catch at short leg off Dercksen and the on-field umpires got it checked by the third umpire, similar to a review .

Even when there is no DRS in play, umpires are generally allowed to check with the third umpire about clean catches and push balls, incidents that they may not be able to clearly see in real time – but in this case the catch was taken at chest height .

“In the end the right decision was made because it looked like there was an advantage, but I just think it was the wrong process,” Hartley told BBC Test Match Special.

“There was never any doubt about whether it was a clean catch or not. It’s the fact that no one knows what the decision was.”

“It has become clear that DRS has to be present at every international game and then we wouldn’t talk about it. It should be a wake-up call for Cricket South Africa.”

Proteas head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said the decision not to use DRS was above his “pay grade” but lamented the lack of communication surrounding the “bizarre” decision that led to Dercksen’s wicket.

“There was no communication – I didn’t understand why (it was out),” Mashimbyi said.

“If it is out, it is out and if the umpire is not sure, the batsman gives the benefit of the doubt. It was pretty bizarre, I guess the referees felt they made the right decision so we can’t do anything about it.”