South Africa opener Dean Elgar admits the Proteas were left "shellshocked" by the incredible batting of England duo Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow in Cape Town.
The hard-hitting sixth-wicket pair dominated day two of the second Test as they put together a superb stand of 399.
Starting Sunday on 317-5, the tourists declared at 629-6 in the afternoon, Stokes (258) and Bairstow (150 not out) having launched a relentless onslaught.
First Test centurion Elgar was then removed by Stokes for 44, before South Africa reached stumps on 141-2.
And Elgar agreed that the hosts were amazed by the aggressive approach of Stokes and Bairstow.
"It was a very intense session and a half," he said. "We were kind of shellshocked by the way they were going.
"It's easy to say we could have done this or should have done this but it's gone. There will always be finger pointing but our bowlers gave everything. It was just a crazy day of cricket."
The remarkable Stokes innings thrilled the cricketing world, as the Durham all-rounder smashed the second-fastest double-hundred in Test history.
Elgar added: "He seems to be one of those cricketers who chances his arm quite a lot. Massive credit to him today, it came off.
"I think he came out positive and aggressive and, if one went to hand, there'd be a different story to read in the morning."
Already 1-0 down in the series, the South Africa team are prepared for criticism in the media but Elgar pointed out that they are a side in transition.
"People have to understand this Proteas Test team is going through a change," he said.
"We're going to cop a lot of abuse but we're strong enough to take it on the chin.
"You have to go through that kind of abuse on a cricket field to appreciate good times. It's part of the game and it's what makes Test cricket so beautiful."