Features

Proteas look to square series

Author: John Harris
Date: 03/12/2009
Cricket betting

England are in a surprisingly strong position ahead of their final one-day international against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban on Friday.

Many people believed England would slide to a heavy defeat against the Proteas in their five-match series ahead of the four Tests that begin later in the month.

After South Africa captain Graeme Smith won the toss in Sunday's fourth game and elected to bat in Port Elizabeth, it soon emerged that it was a poor decision as his side couldn't adapt to the conditions.

Will South Africa grab a share of the spoils and win the final ODI against England on Friday? - Latest Cricket Betting

An excellent bowling performance enabled England to dismiss the hosts for a paltry 119 with just Alviro Petersen (51) offering some resistance.

James Anderson, with figures of 5-23 from his ten overs, produced a match-winning performance and also a career-best to boot.

Paul Collingwood claimed two wickets, including his 100th in ODI's with Stuart Broad taking a brace himself following his return to the side following a shoulder lay-off.

Tim Bresnan has improved significantly and his miserly figures of 1-15 from his eight overs, at an economy rate of 1.87, seriously hampered the beleaguered home side.

Andrew Strauss (32) alongside Jonathan Trott (52 not out) put England in the driving seat and despite, Strauss, Kevin Pietersen and Collingwood losing their wickets, Trott and Eoin Morgan (28 not out) secured an easy seven-wicket victory in just 31.2 overs.

England lead 2-1 going into the final contest and another victory would hand the tourists a much-needed boost before they head into the Test arena in a fortnight.

Smith may choose to ring the changes as his side looks to salvage a draw in the series with veteran Herschelle Gibbs in line for a position after being recalled to the squad before Sunday's loss only to be overlooked for a starting berth.

Johan Botha was one of the few who impressed with the ball, with the part-time spinner taking two wickets for just 22 runs from eight overs.

Dale Steyn will be pushing for a recall after missing the game through injury and the hosts could really do with their main spearhead in order to grab a victory.

Captain Strauss may well be buoyed by making the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award short-list following the Ashes success in the summer but will put this to the back of his mind as he focuses on finishing the job against the sportsbook favourites on Sunday in preparation for the first Test at Centurion on December 16.

BET NOW