South Africa plans Christmas Day practice session

Durban - As England's selectors agonise over the form of Mark Butcher and contemplate his future as Michael Atherton's partner in the third Test at Kingsmead, South Africa plan a tough Christmas Day practice session. Which is not as surprising as it sounds if you listen to the captain, Hansie Cronje, and the coach Graham Ford.

"It was always going to be part of our preparation for this game," said Ford, now into his fifth month as South Africa's coach.

South Africa have been in the habit of training on Christmas Day during home Test matches which start on the Day of Goodwill, also known in England as Boxing Day.

From all accounts it is going to be a full work out as the side prepares for the crucial third match of five with South Africa leading the series 1-0 and the second Test, in Port Elizabeth, drawn. A victory for South Africa means that England need to win Tests four and five, in Cape Town and Centurion, to level the series.

It is a factor which their management team regard as a priority, although captain Nasser Hussain views the Durban match as the most important of the series.

"A victory for us in Durban is essential if we are to keep our summer's tour plans on track," he said. "We have come here to be competitive and I think the way we have played (in Port Elizabeth) proves this."

Most interest down here is the shape of the pitch for the third Test of the five-match series, which starts on Sunday. After fairly solid bursts of rain it has remained soft and there is a grassy surface at present, indicating that it is being protected from what sun their might be.

At this stage though there is the great guessing game of South Africa's Test plans: whether to retain the side which drew at St George's Park or opt for a spinner in place of Mornantau Hayward. The gamble of opening the batting with Gary Kirsten as his Test run is extended perpetuates the top-six batsmen philosophy. This, it is known, is favoured by Hansie Cronje, the captain, and Ford, the coach.

Which of the selectors are likely to think along similar lines is uncertain:

Kepler Wessels and Mike Procter are thought to favour this option while the convener Rushdi Magiet, feels the balance has to be right. If he takes a close look at the Australian system as an example of team-balance he would be in agreement with Wessels and Procter.

What makes the extra bowler option - a straight swap between Hayward and Paul Adams - more intriguing is the return to bowling fitness of Jacques Kallis. His ability to swing the ball adds bite to Lance Klusener's ability to take wickets. The two, for some reason, have complimented each other.

As it is, Hussain and the rest of the England management have a fear of Klusener's batting talents. Apart from examining ways of trying to minimise the all-rounder's run-making ability, the tourists are bothered about Butcher's form and whether to give him one more Test, or try the Leicestershire batsman Darren Maddy.

It is a tougher call than that which faces South Africa and the surface of the Kingsmead pitch will be carefully monitored over the next couple of days.