Only when Paul Collingwood took a catch at full length in the covers to dismiss him off Craig White's off-cutter did England finally show the gap in class between the two sides.

Burger threatened to heap the greatest of cricketing embarrassments on England, having hauled the Namibians to 139 for two in the 30th over.

His brute strength was central to most of his 10 fours and a majestic six over deep mid-wicket off White.

With the 21-year-old opener in full flow and grey clouds looming, Namibia remained ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis scoring rate from the time 25 overs had been completed to his departure.

England then took control when Daniel Keulder, who put on an impressive 97 with Burger, was run out attempting a second run for 46.

Next ball, White snaked one through Gerrie Snyman to knock back the off-stump and Ronnie Irani, belatedly brought into the attack, mopped up the tail with three wickets for 30 runs off eight overs.

Earlier, England's innings, undermined by a rash of loose strokes, was provided with substance by stand-in captain Alec Stewart and Marcus Trescothick, who both registered half-centuries.

After both mis-hit against the Namibian spinners, Collingwood stabilised affairs and White provided some late impetus with 35 from just 29 balls at number eight.

Ultimately, too many fell to soft dismissals as Rudie van Vuuren, who played for his country in the last rugby World Cup, finished with five for 43.