Newlands relief for Proteas

Newlands: Fortress for South Africa

I know that our guys are looking forward to the challenge of taking South Africa on here.

Andy Flower
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South Africa arrive in Cape Town for the third Test against England with a tremendous record at Newlands to defend.

Despite coming into the match low on confidence following the defeat in Durban, the Proteas can reflect on a record of 14 wins in their last 18 Tests in the shadow of Table mountain, with only Australia recording a victory there in the modern era.

England coach Andy Flower is aware of the record and also knows that the job is only half done after success in the second Test, and nothing would be sweeter than to clinch victory in the series at Newlands.

"All round, it was a great performance from our side," he said of the Durban win. "We're one up - a great position to be in - but we're only halfway through a Test series.

"That means there's a lot of hard work to do in this Cape Town Test. But I know that our guys are looking forward to the challenge of taking South Africa on here.

Attitude

"We're in the lead now, so the challenge for us is to actually improve on our performance from the last Test.

"I'm not talking specifically about the margins. But I am talking about our attitude, our work ethic and how we approach this battle."

England are waiting on the fitness of Paul Collingwood, who could miss the game with a finger injury that has left him with only a 50-50 chance of playing.

Left-hander Michael Carberry is standing by to make his debut at Test level after being called up from local cricket.

"If he goes out, we'll lose some of that experience," admitted Flower. "But you gain in another way if the debutant comes in and kicks off his international career.

"We're not worried. If he can't play, he can't play - we'll get on with it.

Comfortable

"Michael Carberry coming in is like any debutant. He'll be excited and nervous but certainly looking forward to the opportunity.

"Carberry is in good form. He's been scoring runs out here in South Africa, so we're quite comfortable with that situation.

"The way he batted in the nets this morning, I'd feel very confident when he strode out to the middle."

It is a different story for the hosts who appear certain to make at least one change to the side that capitulated at Kingsmead.

"We had a pretty serious discussion after the Durban Test," said coach Mickey Arthur. "It certainly isn't panic stations. But we asked each other a lot of questions.

"We need to a win a Test match. Whether it's one change or two changes, I'm not sure.

"There are going to be some tough decisions to be made, and I'm pretty sure we'll make the correct ones."

Pressure

Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini has performed poorly in the first two matches and Arthur admitted his place is under threat.

"It's the same as with any 'icon' cricketer - you tend to give them a little bit of a longer run, because they have earned it," he added.

"Makhaya has certainly earned that, and I'm not for one minute saying he isn't going to play this Test.

"That's something we need to assess over the next two days. Like a couple of other players, he does come in under a little bit of pressure - and how he works it over the next two days will be instrumental in what we see as our best attack going forward."

Batsman JP Duminy is another who is yet to show his best form in the series but the left-hander has received the full support of the coach.

"I back JP hugely - he is an unbelievable talent," said Arthur. "Technically, there's one little issue we are working on - but other than that, he is very sound.

"It's a matter for him to get through this mentally, and I have full faith in him."