Proteas taking it a game at a time

Friday, March 4, 2011

Durban - On the back of two convincing victories, South Africa refuse to fall into the complacency trap ahead of their clash against England on Sunday.

The Proteas will play their third Group B match when they take on England at the ICC Cricket World Cup in Chennai.

England, reeling from a shock defeat against Ireland, could prove to be a dangerous outfit against a South African side that has had a dream start to the tournament.

Ireland stunned the English side with a three-wicket victory after Kevin O'Brien offered a record-breaking 113 from just 63 deliveries to reach the 328-run target in Bangalore.

South Africa on the other hand destroyed the Netherlands in their match on Thursday by beating them by 231 runs with centuries from AB de Villiers and Hashim Alma.

"We've got two big games coming our way, England (on Sunday) and then India, so obviously it's good to gain some confidence going into the big games," Smith said, following their massive win against the Netherlands.

South Africa, in pursuit of their first World Cup win, have been slightly unpredictable with team selection and strategy in the past two games, the intrigue therefore will continue until Sunday.

"We will reassess the conditions for the England game and then decide on our strategies. It was a tactical decision and something that will change from match to match," said Smith.

He added: "I am relaxed at the moment, to be honest. It is a long tournament and we are taking it one match at a time."

It is most likely that England will have a fully fit side for the meeting. Injured Graeme Swann and Kevin Pietersen were back at the nets - their inclusion in Sunday's game will boost their team, who now need to win two of their last three Group B matches to stay in the race for a quarterfinal place. - BuaNews