Things are definitely heading in the right direction Clare Connor Read the match report

Their victory at Taunton was a momentous occasion as it represented their first home Test win since beating West Indies 24 years ago.

And it was England's first innings win in a Test since defeating New Zealand at Christchurch in 1935.

"I'm overjoyed. We played very good cricket for the whole month and were unlucky really not to win the first Test at Shenley," Connor told the BBC Sport website.

"We came down here knowing it would be a very good batting track, which it is, so it was a bit disappointing to lose the toss, but we went out and bowled them out for 130.

"Everybody bowled in the right areas, we held our catches and then to go out and get a huge total with another century from Claire Taylor was just superb."

Equally pleasing for Connor were the performances of new players brought into the team, including Rosalie Birch,Lydia Greenway and Beth Morgan.

"The selectors knew that if there was a time to bring in some new players, to blood them for the World Cup, it was now because South Africa aren't as tough a contest as Australia or New Zealand.

"It's been a real opportunity for some of the young talent that's been identified to put on an England shirt and realise that playing for England is something special," said Connor.

England will renew their rivalry with South Africa over the winter, with a tour to the Republic planned for February/March.

"The World Cup is in South Africa in 18 months time, so a trip out there will give us a good indication of what to expect in terms of wickets and conditions."

Before then, there are still club commitments to fulfil for England's players before taking a rest.