Botha enthused by England challenge

Johan Botha could be forgiven trepidation over the appearance of short, straight boundaries at the SWALEC Stadium - but far from it, he is actually relishing another challenge against England's big hitters.

The South Africa off-spinner has yet to take a caning and can name home captain Kevin Pietersen among his four victims before the tourists try to make Cardiff a last hurrah in the NatWest Series today.

More set-tos with Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff et al are in the offing as South Africa seek to avoid a whitewash and protect their second place in the world rankings, via this day-night finale.

Botha is not complaining, though - because England's attacking middle order is full of just the sort of batsmen he likes.

"I prefer bowling to them than to guys who just work it around," said the 26-year-old.

"I've really enjoyed playing against England for the first time, and there have been some good battles out there - against the big men, Pietersen and Flintoff.

"You always have to be on top of your game. But they are always ready to take you on, so you always have a chance of taking wickets."

Johan Botha will again have to contend with the big hitting of Andrew Flintoff at the SWALEC Stadium

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Botha would like nothing more than to play his part in what would be a significant turnaround, should South Africa manage to win a NatWest Series match.

After the satisfaction of their Test series victory, a 5-0 ODI hammering would hurt badly.

"The big thing when we came over here was to win the Test series," Botha reasons.

"But, personally, I do think this has taken a bit off the Test win.

"I think the Test team lost a bit of momentum at the Oval, and England have gone from strength to strength from there.

"This last two and a half, three weeks have been very disappointing for us.

"We want to turn it round one last time here - like England did in the Tests - so we can go away with a good game behind us."

As for his own form, Botha accepts he has yet to put in a big performance - but he believes he is capable.

"I'm feeling pretty good at the moment," he said. "I haven't scored a lot of runs or taken a lot of wickets in the series - but I still feel good."

Botha, an ever-smiling and optimistic presence, does not appear to be one to lose sleep worrying about things he cannot change, like the short boundaries at Cardiff.

"It does look a little short at one end, but I hope it's still far enough," he said.

"I hope it's quite dry under the covers and it will just stop and turn a bit."