Life yet in “dead rubber” for England

“Whatever you do first, you need to get a good start”, was de Villiers’s assessment.

“I’d love to play a part in the ODI series against England, but I’m not going to rush my return like I did in India and make things worse”, he said.

The message to England’s players ahead of this week’s final Test against South Africa here has been very simple: “Finish the series in style”. In reply England looked in trouble at 91-4, but a counter attacking display from Ben Stokes who made a quick fifty, and a fantastic hundred from Joe Root took England within reach South Africa’s total. Getting out three times in the 40s really grinds me, I would rather get out for a low score than 40 or 50.

If it wasn’t for Compton’s obstinance and cast-iron defence, England would have struggled in Durban – and his 85 in the first innings there is a big part of this series win. It has led to rumours from some quarters that it might lead the 32-year old to quit, but he has rubbished those rumours.

“My goals are pretty clear – to contribute to the team in every way possible and earn the respect of my team-mates”.

“For me and a lot of the other guys, there’s a lot to play for”. The tourists might add one more to their tally after Steven Finn was ruled out by injury, with Cook admitting that England face “quite a tough decision” over who to bring in. But I’ve been pretty clear with Mark [Ramprakash, England’s batting coach] and Trevor about the way I play – each ball at a time and the more time I spend out there, then the rhythm comes.

The warning has been sounded and South Africa will do well to pay heed, but if ever it could fashion a turnaround after two forgettable months, its chances would be highest at Centurion.

It’s always easier to hide poor individual performances in a winning team, so it’s no surprise that England have used just 12 players in the series to South Africa’s 16. “We are trying to stay positive, there is another match and we are going to rock up and play hard”.

That’s not to say I expect them to take their foot of the gas.

South African pace bowler Dale Steyn has dismissed the idea that he is coming to the end of his worldwide career as “absolutely ridiculous”.

But after clearing the air with Bayliss, the Middlesex batsman will carry on trusting the method that has got him to this level when the final Test starts at Centurion.

Elgar, who claimed his best first-class bowling figures – four for 25 for the Knights against the Titans in 2011/12 – at SuperSport Park, said he is happy to have the frontline spinner duties placed on his shoulders.