England face South Africa on Friday in the final ODI looking for an historic series win.
The tourists currently lead 2-1 in the series and know that another victory in Kingsmead would make them only the second team to win a one-day series in South Africa since readmission – Australia being the other.
With the first match washed out, the next three games have swung like a pendulum from one team to the other. The second ODI saw England saunter past South Africa’s modest total of 250 with seven wckets in hand but the third ODI saw a completely different script.
The Proteas blasted their way to 354 for 6 from their 50 overs and England were never able to keep up with the rate eventually crumbling to 242 all out. If the home side thought their fortunes had changed however they were in for a rude awakening.
A sensational bowling performance from England and especially James Anderson – who claimed his first ever five-wicket haul in international limited overs cricket – ripped through the South African top order, skittling all ten wickets for a mere 119 runs. A half century from Jonathan Trott saw the tourists cruise to a seven wicket victory.
England have had the indian sign over their hosts in 50-over cricket for while now. A win in the ICC Champions Trophy was preceeded in 2008 by a series whitewash in England’s favour and there is clearly something about Andrew Strauss and his men that gets underneath their opponents skin.
But they could win the ODI series without even bowling a bowl. The weather in Durban has been dreadful with torrential rain leaving pools of water on the outfield. A washout would take England into the history books and set up the forthcoming test series perfectly.
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