South Africa Set For Series Finale
South Africa go into Thursdays fourth and final test match looking to force a result in order to level the series. England lead the series 1-0 after an emphatic innings victory in the second test at Durban and draws at Centurion and Cape Town.
South Africa’s preparation has been blighted by the withdrawal of Friedel De Wet from their squad. The fast bowler aggravated a back injury during the third test and is set for a spell on the sidelines.
South Africa coach Mickey Arthur suggested de Wet's injury was a long-term problem saying, "Friedel won't be training with us this week.
"I really feel for him, it happened in the fifth over of the first innings in Cape Town, but he came in and gave it his all with injections and a serious back injury for other 20-odd overs. It speaks volumes for him."
De Wet is likely to be replaced in the match day XI by Wayne Parnell. The uncapped fast bowler has played 9 One Day Internationals but is yet to make his first test appearance. Parnell, 20, is an exciting young talent and is highly thought of in South Africa.
Arthur believes Parnell is set to have a big impact on the South African side commenting, "Although he's very young in terms of first-class cricket, he will mature and I'm very happy to have him on board."
His place in the side could be key in providing South Africa a chance a victory according to Arthur, "He has a real chance of playing because of his pace. We said we wanted three strike bowlers and Wayne could be one of them.”
The need for three strike bowlers comes as the hosts have to win in order to save the series. The ground staff at the Wanderers have been preparing a pitch with that thought in mind. The pitch is looking green and looks set to assist the seamer’s.
"If you're looking for a result like we are, then a grassy pitch is a gamble you possibly have to take. But I don't like going into a Test without a spinner," said Arthur.
"I think it's vital, but if conditions are very different then we could look at it, it's possible that we could go in with an all-pace attack."