Smith Positive Ahead Of Third Test

South Africa captain Graeme Smith insists his side will attempt to win the Third Test against England at Lord’s despite holding a 1-0 series lead heading into the final game.

The Second Test at Headingley ended a draw on Monday, although not before a hectic final day with South Africa producing a surprise declaration which gave England an improbable chance.

South Africa and England had both posted 419 and 425 respectively in the first innings’ of the rain-affected Test in Leeds, before the Proteas declared on day five sitting on 9/258.

England were given 39 overs to chase the total, an improbable task, however they started brightly with first innings’ centurion Kevin Pietersen at the top of the order. But Pietersen was dismissed for 12 off eight balls, while skipper Andrew Strauss made 22 off 33, before the hosts slowed up the chase and settled for a draw.

Smith’s side now take a 1-0 lead into the final Test, and the skipper said their efforts in Leeds showed their positive intent.

“We showed with our declaration what our mindset is and I don’t see it changing it Lord’s at all,” Smith said. “If anything, we will take a step forward. There were positives for both sides in this match and probably both teams can improve a little bit.

“From our perspective, we played positive cricket with intent. We played to win here. On a wicket that was difficult on day one, 420 was important and good from our batting line-up.

“Kevin Pietersen’s knock got England back in the match and on an even keel but I think the weather took its course. I was hoping the wicket would do a little bit more after lunch. We wanted to be positive and scored at a good rate but probably lost one or two wickets that cost us having a real go just before tea.”

Meanwhile, on the run chase England captain Andrew Strauss said: “We felt it was worth having a go at it,” Strauss told Sky Sports.

“We sent in KP, who is obviously in outstanding form, to set things in action but once Matt Prior got out it was probably time to shut up shop. It was a bit of a tall chase in the first place but it was certainly worth having a go.”