South Africa are past masters at the patient bowling game. Some critics have called it defensive but it is proven as a method of keeping the runs down which in turn creates pressure. Lose a wicket or two and that reasonable total looks susceptible. You never feel out of the woods and even on pitches where you feel 300 can be comfortably reached, you take time to get there. Strategy is part and parcel of cricket today and planning to maximise your strength is so important.

South Africa are disciplined at bowling in the corridor six inches outside the off stump and will do it for as long as it takes and, with five seamers, it puts enormous pressure on batsmen, especially Alec Stewart who likes to feel bat on ball. They stuck with their plan even when England were 181 for three and, in time, it proved correct with England falling apart to be 230 all out. It was a triumph for Hansie Cronje and his bowlers who were never panicked into changing their game plan.

One wondered then what the batting game plan was as batsmen seemed caught between all-out defence and all-out attack. Gary Kirsten departed unluckily but all the others got a start. Jacques Kallis seemed unusually subdued and never at any stage looked likely to post a really big score while Cronje played well but slowly. It was as if the weight of the occasion was on him. Daryll Cullinan and Jonty Rhodes, on the other hand, looked like they had decided to go on an all-out assault to try and change the match in the shortest time. It almost worked, aided by some sloppy England catching, but the inevitable edge to a wide ball saw the game see-saw again. The South African batting drifted towards England's total but not with enough urgency.

Forthright strokeplay combined with slick running between the wickets is South Africa's style but much of that was missing. For this, full marks must go to the England bowlers who bowled South African style to the South Africans. It was a wonderful tactic which worked well to keep them well and truly in this match. However, having said that, South Africa always play well with their backs to the wall. It will be the captain's job to ensure his troops are focused to the end. To date he has arguably been the man of the series. He needs one more mighty effort to get his team over the line.