South Africa looks to square the series

The Wanderers is South Africa’s fortress, having lost only eight of the 29 ODIs that it has played there. At 1,750m above sea level, the coliseum-like structure of the stadium, which can hold a crowd of 34,000, is known to intimidate the opposition.

Published : Feb 12, 2016 14:36 IST , Johannesburg

Quinton de Kock has been South Africa's batting lynchpin, scoring two centuries in the series.
Quinton de Kock has been South Africa's batting lynchpin, scoring two centuries in the series.
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Quinton de Kock has been South Africa's batting lynchpin, scoring two centuries in the series.

The last time South Africa played an ODI at the Wanderers Stadium, AB de Villiers wreaked havoc against a hapless West Indies side, scoring the fastest ODI hundred in 31 balls. The Proteas went on to clinch the series 4-1. This time, as it takes on England in the penultimate game of the five-match series, the host needs a win to stay alive in the series.

The Wanderers is South Africa’s fortress, having lost only eight of the 29 ODIs that it has played there. At 1,750m above sea level, the coliseum-like structure of the stadium, which can hold a crowd of 34,000, is known to intimidate the opposition. But England can afford to relax having a 2-1 lead and will be confident after winning the Test series.

“We have played some fantastic cricket for six months now in this format of the game,” Joe Root told Sky Sports NewsHQ.

“In that respect, we have got a lot of momentum and it is about making sure we keep building on everything we are doing and keep learning from our experiences,” he said.

Root scored a 139-ball 110 in the third Test played in the same venue, contributing to his team’s win. But Root and his teammates will not be complacent after South Africa chased down England’s 318 comfortably in the last ODI. Quinton de Kock starred with the bat for the host, scoring his second hundred of the series. “We must learn from the loss the other night and make sure that something like that doesn't happen again,” Root added.

Stuart Broad, who wrecked South Africa with a six for 17 spell in the aforementioned Test, has been recalled to the English side and his presence is sure to bolster the side's pace attack. South Africa, meanwhile, is expected to go with an unchanged squad.

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