South Africa v Pakistan third Test preview: Hosts looking to maintain run

Last updated: 22nd February 2013  

South Africa v Pakistan third Test preview: Hosts looking to maintain run

Rory Kleinveldt: Will replace the injured Morne Morkel in South Africa's bowling attack

We are a process driven team and we attack each challenges the same each time.

Graeme Smith
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South Africa captain Graeme Smith wants his team to sign off in style when they conclude a successful home season with the third and final Test against Pakistan in Centurion.

The Proteas will be aiming for a series sweep after victories in Johannesburg and Cape Town, both recorded with a day to spare.

Smith's side have now not lost a Test since December 2011 and the no.1 ranked side in the world have no intention of seeing that run come to an end at SuperSport Park.

"It's our last Test of what has been a long but successful year," Smith said.

"There has been no difference in the way we have approached the game. It has been a quick turnaround, so to stay mentally fresh and sharp in the game will be the challenge.

"We are a process driven team and we attack each challenges the same each time."

Morkel out

The hosts will make one alteration to the side that won at Newlands, Rory Kleinveldt replacing the injured Morne Morkel in a like-for-like swap of seamers.

For Kleinveldt it will be a fourth Test appearance - he also played in the second Test against New Zealand in January when Vernon Philander was ruled out.

"There is generally a bit more swing on the Highveld, which will suit Rory, and there is good pace and bounce at Centurion. His energy at training has been good and he has bowled well in the nets," said Smith.

Pakistan, meanwhile, may drop seamer Tanvir Ahmed after he took just one wicket in two innings last time out, with Junaid Khan possibly available again after missing the second Test.

However, Rahat Ali and Ehsan AdiAbdur could come into contention, or the tourists could opt to pick a second spinner in left-armer Abdur Rehman.

Centuries from Younus Khan and Asad Shafiq had put Pakistan in a decent position after the first innings in the last match, but they then collapsed from 147-5 to 169 all out second time around to surrender their advantage.

"We need to improve our batting. We need some consistency," captain Misbah-ul-Haq said on the eve of the match, which is live on Sky Sports.

"It's not about one innings in Test cricket. You have to post big totals in every innings."

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