Sports » England vs South Africa - 3rd ODI
England and South Africa head to the capital for the 3rd Natwest one day international with England leading the series 2-0 after an emphatic win at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. The Brit Oval will play host to the 3rd match of this 5 match series. These two sides have already met at this ground this summer in the 4th and final Npower test match which England won by 6 wickets.
The Oval over the years has been a good ground for England. In the 29 matches held here England have won 16 and lost 12 with a no result there too. However one of England's lowest moments in the 50 over version of the game came here when they failed to stop an unbroken 9th wicket partnership of 71 giving West Indies the Champions Trophy when England had it in their grasp. The last one day international held here was the infamous match against New Zealand in June. New Zealand won by one wicket after Paul Collingwood had sent Daniel Flynn back to the pavilion despite Flynn being taken out trying to complete a run.
England's recent record at this ground isn't good though. They've lost their last four matches on this ground. Since that Champions Trophy final here in 2004, England have only beaten Bangladesh here. South Africa have played 4 one day internationals at The Oval. They have won the 1st 2 but have lost the last two. The latest defeat being by 5 wickets to West Indies in the Champions Trophy.
South Africa have to win this match to keep the series alive but it looks like they will have to do so without their captain Graeme Smith. He is suffering with tennis elbow and looks set to miss this match with Jacques Kallis likely to replace Smith as captain. Morne Morkel is expected to be fit as the Proteas look to get back into the series. After winning so easily at Trent Bridge, England are likely to stick with the same side again. Matches at The Oval are usually high scoring and with the weather set fair another exciting tussle awaits.
