Who would have thought after winning only one of their previous 14 overseas Tests, England would be leading the number 1 Test side in the world at the halfway stage in this series?
It seems almost too good to be true. England have been good value for their 1-0 lead and few will quibble that they have been the better side over the opening two encounters.
Injuries have certainly played a part, with Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander both missing Tests in this series. But that should not detract from England's stellar performances so far.
The form of many of England's younger players has been pleasing. Ben Stokes has proved that his duel tons at Perth and Lord's were no flukes as he thrashed his way to a memorable 258*. An innings that many will argue is one of the greatest by an Englishman - but that is an argument for another day.
Jonny Bairstow has also taken his 2015 county form into his England outings, making an emotional maiden Test century at Cape Town. The power of England's middle order, and the consistency from Joe Root, has thus far masked England's weakness at the top of the order.
Captain Alastair Cook will be disappointed that, despite looking in good order at the crease, he is yet to pass 50 in the series. His partner, Alex Hales, has also shown flashes of the destructive player we know he can be, but he will be fretting over making a big score this series.
England's seam attack was ably led by Stuart Broad in Cape Town, but they will still welcome the return of their talisman James Anderson for the Johannesburg Test tomorrow.
Despite their rousing efforts, England faced criticism after the Cape Town Test due to a number of missed chances in the field. Both Amla and Du Plessis were given lives and went on to make runs. England have been taking extra fielding sessions in the run up to the third Test to try and arrest the slide in their fielding.
A potential headache for Trevor Bayliss may be whether to play an all seam attack at a venue where spinners have enjoyed little success in recent times. It seems unlikely that Moeen Ali, man of the match just two Tests ago, will miss out here.
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South Africa have the same issue, however coach Russell Domingo has hinted that he favours retaining the off-spinner Dane Piedt in his line-up. The hosts will also have to cope once again without their firebrand quick bowler Dale Steyn.
Steyn has now missed five of the last Tests, and his future must surely be in doubt as age catches up with him. Luckily for South Africa, they have a bevy of fast bowlers to call upon. Not least Cape Town debutant Chris Morris and the uncapped Hardus Viljoen who has taken 20 wickets in two matches at the Wanderers this season.
It looks unlikely that the third Test will be a draw, with the Wanderers' wicket offering plenty of seam and conditions suited to swing. If that is the case, then this Test can be viewed as England's first chance to win the series. Victory here, and they take an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Who would have predicted that a year ago?
England return to Cardiff this year for two One-Day Internationals as Glamorgan host the final games of both the Sri Lanka and Pakistan Royal London Series at The SSE SWALEC. Adult tickets are priced from £35, juniors £10, and a family ticket only £80. Click here for tickets and further details.