Kallis winning the toss chose to field first, a decision psychologically keeping in mind their dismissal for 83 runs in the previous match. Things were not going well for South Africa. The South African bowlers did not deliver up to their mark in the entire series. In all the matches played, the initial breakthrough was not provided and credit must be given to the England opening batsmen for not giving away their wickets. The England opening pair again put the foundation for a big score with a 101 run partnership.

Considering the average of the South African bowlers, the economy rates of the speedsters Steyn, Ntini and Morkel is averaging above 6 in the matches, which is a poor sign. The economy rate of these bowlers is so huge and with it they don’t take wickets. The bowling department of South Africa must be put under heavy scanner as it is one of the major reasons for their recent defeats. In all the three matches, wickets were not taken in the power plays. This holds the key for the big total posted by England.

England batted well and reached 296 for the loss of 5 wickets at the end of their innings. Flintoff remained unbeaten on 78. It was a patient innings with some good shots towards the death overs. Flintoff has been in good form through out the series both in batting and bowling. The batting average is above 75 and the bowling economy rate is under 5 with an average of 2 wickets per match. He has been a match winner for England in this series.

South Africa chasing 297 had a shaky start. Gibbs poor form continued in this match also when he was dismissed for 12. South Africa lost the 4 top order batsmen in the power plays itself.  This is the real difference between the two sides. South Africa loses their top order batsmen in the power plays itself while England keep their wickets in tact at the end of the power plays. Power plays decide the match and South Africa again were bundled out for 170 in the 43rd over. The top order of South Africa again failed.

Patel took 5 wickets giving 44 runs at an economy rate of 4.21. This spell also includes 2 maiden overs. Patel is only the second spinner after Ashley Giles to take a 5 wicket haul for England. He led the England team out of the stadium with the ball and was adjudged the man of the match. It is yet again a bad defeat for South Africa and Graeme Smith, with a temple injury is out of the series, which adds pain to the losing side.

England had clinched the Natwest series successfully dominating South Africa. England leads the 5 match NatWest series 3-0 and already have clinched the NatWest series.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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