Arthur eyes critical clash

Mickey Arthur knows the third game will be crucial to the ODI series' outcome

Mickey Arthur has described tomorrow’s third one-day international against Australia as one of his side’s most important fixtures of the year as the two sides prepare to meet for the eighth time in 12 weeks.

South Africa were 4-1 victors during their five-match series Down Under and with the score 1-1 in the ongoing sequence of games, the Proteas coach knows that a win for either team will tilt the balance heavily in their favour.

“This match is hugely important,” said Arthur, ahead of the clash in Cape Town. “It's about the side that wants it more. I've always said the series is going to be closely contested.

“The side that wins it will take a lot from it. The two sides are so close, that if you just open the door, the other side will walk through.

“It's going to be one of the most important ODIs of the summer so we'll be looking to take the initiative.”

The hosts were handed a heavy 141-defeat in the opening game at Kingsmead last Friday, before bouncing back with their own drubbing of Australia by seven-wickets in the second game at Supersport Park on Sunday.

Arthur is boosted by the presence of all-rounder Jacques Kallis in his line-up

As such, the South Africa boss is expecting a backlash from the visitors.

“Australia will definitely do some soul searching, just like we did last Friday night when we had a stern chat. And then when we had another on Saturday morning.

“I'm glad that we managed to put those processes into place on Sunday, but I know Australia will be having similar chats about how they are going to come back.”

Arthur was also pleased to have Jacques Kallis back in the team, after the all-rounder missed the opening loss with a groin injury.

He added: “Jacques brings so much balance to our team. He is like two players. We couldn't play an extra seamer in Durban because our tail was long, so I'm very happy to have him back.

“We now bat down to No 10, and I include Wayne Parnell, because although he hasn't done much with the bat yet, I regard him as a future all-rounder. We also have seven bowling options.

“So our current squad is as good as we've ever had.”