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We will fight to win fourth Test: Arthur

09/08/2008

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur insisted his team were desperate to win the fourth Test against England and claim a 3-0 series win.

With the series already won, some critics have argued that South Africa weren't giving a 100% in a Test which is nothing more than a dead-rubber as they were bowled out for only 194 in the first innings.

They ended day three on 110/2 in their second innings which means they are now only 12 runs behind from making England bat again. Arthur was looking for his team to build a lead in excess of 200 which he felt would give them a great chance of winning the match.

"From a South African point of view we certainly don't want to lose any Test matches. We would be really gutted to lose the last Test match here," said Arthur.

"As long as we remember the things that have got us to this point we will be fine going forward, and we will keep improving.

"The guys are going to be fighting to win this one because we still have the opportunity to do so. We feel we can defend 220, and if we can get that high there will be a lot of pressure on the England top five."

Only 17 overs were possible on day three as rain heavily in London today. England managed to claim only one wicket as Stuart Broad bowled Neil McKenzie.

England will need to come out tomorrow and take early wickets, or South Africa could build a daunting lead for England to chase on day five.