The fact that the fifth MTN ODI is a so-called “dead rubber” will not lead to any lessening of intensity or desire on either side. This is South Africa versus Australia and anybody who has witnessed the events of the past six months will be only too well aware of what that means.
For the Proteas to be able to complete an 8-2 advantage in the two combined ODI series against the former world No. 1 side would be special indeed.
That was confirmed by Proteas' captain Graeme Smith. “If I look back at the highlights over the past 18 months, I have to put the away Test series victories over England and Australia at the top of the list. These have been the two toughest assignments for South African cricket in the past and to have achieved both of those successes in the space of six months has been very special for this team.
“The other major highlight must be the achievement of winning both the Test and ODI series in Australia.
“On an individual level the most pleasing aspect has been the way the younger players have come through. You need a hard core of experience on which to base a top team and we now have the ideal balance of youth and experience coming together.
“The emergence of these young players has also enabled us to develop our one-day brand and the type of cricket we want to play.”
Smith announced two changes in the Standard Bank ODI side for the final MTN ODI with Morne Morkel and Makhaya Ntini taking the places of Johan Botha and Wayne Parnell.
An important sideshow to Friday's match will be the naming of the MTN man of the series. AB de Villiers has so far been the leading runs scorer (202) at an average of 67.33 and a strike rate of 96.65.
Dale Steyn and Mitchell Johnson are the leading bowlers with 10 wickets each.
