Strauss wants 3-1 series win
ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss is hoping the rain holds off so his team can seal a historic triumph over South Africa in style today.
With a 2-1 lead heading into the final match, even a washout would see England become only the second side to beat the Proteas in a one-day series on their own soil.
But Strauss would prefer to clinch an impressive success on his own terms, by beating Graeme Smith’s men for a third time.
“We really want to come and win this series 3-1,” said Strauss, who is poised to win his 100th one-day cap. “When you start thinking about rain and things like that, it is going to affect your preparation.”
The Kingsmead surface has been soaked repeatedly this week but Strauss has warned his charges that they should expect to play.
“Often in these sorts of circumstances, you get some sort of game in – even if it’s not the full 50 overs,” he added. “We’re fully expecting to play tomorrow, and if we do we will make sure we’re at the races and put South Africa under pressure again.”
England are set to have a full-strength squad at their disposal, with fast-bowler James Anderson set to shake off a knee injury.
Smith, who is desperate for his side to level the series, said: “We need to push England to perform under pressure. Disappointingly we haven’t done that so far.”