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Alec Stewart backs England in South Africa Test decider

Alec Stewart
Alec Stewart scored 8463 Test runs for England

Former Surrey wicketkeeper Alec Stewart says England must not go into the fourth Test against South Africa thinking of a draw.

England will win the series if they avoid defeat in the final Test which starts on Thursday.

The 46-year-old told BBC London 94.9: "England have got to make sure they go in with the right attitude, which is to win the game, not to draw the game."

Stewart, a member of Surrey's coaching staff, played 133 Tests for England.

"South Africa are expected to beat them and it's down to England to play well for the next five days," he added.

"Before the series started, South Africa appeared to be the favourites, they were number one in the world, but England have shown some good qualities."

However following their recent bad run, with just one victory in seven tests, Graeme Smith's side are likely to be more determined than ever for a win.

"Their first thought is to make sure they can't lose," he explained.

"I believe South Africa generally play 'safety first' cricket, and it has worked pretty well for them."

England will go to Jo'berg knowing they can't lose the series

Alec Stewart

"On this occasion they have to go in with that winning mentality," he added.

And Stewart said he was pleased that batman Ian Bell has proved his critics wrong.

"He's probably England's best batsman and people can't argue with that," he said.

"He's shown that when it gets tough, he will stand up and produce."



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see also
Steyn leaves England in tatters
14 Jan 10 |  England
Jonathan Agnew column
13 Jan 10 |  England
South Africa hit by De Wet injury
11 Jan 10 |  Cricket


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