We won't let Proteas turn tide - Prior

Confident England are primed to withstand South Africa’s bid for a series-squaring fightback in the final one-day international in Durban.

England’s victory in Port Elizabeth last weekend means they are assured of a drawn series at worst after Friday’s day-nighter at Kingsmead.

But wicketkeeper Matt Prior today made it clear England’s intention is to attack, and prove they can win consecutive matches - something they have found difficult to achieve in the recent past.

“The way the team is building and moving forward is hugely positive,” said Prior. “We go into Friday full of confidence.

“It’s going to be a very, very exciting game. But we also know that the South Africans will come out fighting.

“They will be very, very determined, wanting to make sure we don’t win the series, so we have to be prepared for that.”

England have won seven out of their last eight completed ODIs against South Africa yet, against other opponents, have established a strange trend of failing to build on victories.

But Prior believes England's fresh approach under a new regime has given them their best chance yet of a concerted surge up the one-day international rankings.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who made his debut five years ago under the captain-coach axis of Michael Vaughan and Duncan Fletcher, has 52 caps to his name.

But, in a developing team shorn, temporarily at least, of the talents of the injured Andrew Flintoff, Prior senses a telling new approach - with Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss at the helm.

Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss have fostered a "really enjoyable" atmosphere within the squad, according to Prior

He cites honesty as one of the keys, under team director Flower, to a side he hopes are capable of becoming the best in the world.

"Andy's done a fantastic job since the day he came in," said Prior. "The team is just going from strength to strength and it's a pleasure to be part of it. It's great fun, just really enjoyable."

The atmosphere on tour in South Africa appears to be a far cry from some of Prior's previous experiences.

"I've been on tours before where it's been hard work, you've really missed home and each day's dragged," he recalled. "That is really not the case here."

Prior senses a true team ethos is at the heart of England's positive vibes, and seems to be relishing the variety as well as industry in training drills, which this morning involved a fitness test session on the beach and regularly entails imaginative middle practice with built-in specific match scenarios.

"When it's enjoyable that's often when you play your best cricket," he suggested. "You've got a squad of guys all pulling together in the same direction and wanting to win this series - and passionate about that.

"It's absolutely fantastic. Everything's just gone up three or four levels, and I think that's showing in our performance on the pitch."

The moment he thinks a 'new' England was born was once the squad realised how much hard work was required.

Kevin Pietersen is put through his paces during the sort of training session which is keeping the players stimulated

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"What has happened is there has been a huge amount of honesty in this team, individuals, senior players and coach and captain themselves," Prior revealed.

"'This is where we are in world cricket; this is what our stats say, black and white, where we're at'.

"That was such a great starting point to actually say, ‘Crikey, we're not actually as good as we think we are - we have to improve’.

"When you get that stark realisation it makes everyone very, very hungry and determined we do improve - because we want to be part of the best team in the world."

As for his own place in that team, Prior is content batting at six, although he reckons his talents would be better suited at four or five.

He is conscious nonetheless that a batsman of his Test pedigree – he averages in the mid-40s - must have the capability to help win one-day matches.

"I've not had a great deal to do this series, with the bat," he pointed out. "There was an opportunity at Newlands which unfortunately I didn't take.

"I feel very comfortable with the role I have in the team with the bat - and I'm just waiting for an opportunity, hoping I can put in that match-winning performance.

"The role I have at six will give me opportunities to win games of cricket down the bottom order and take responsibility to get this team over the line.”