Thorpe backs England for victory

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Graham Thorpe believes England are well-placed to seal their ninth consecutive Test win on a mouthwatering final day in Durban.

South Africa will resume on 21-1 chasing 378 to win after Thorpe helped England to a huge fourth innings total with his 16th test ton.

"South Africa are going to have to bat very well to win the game or save it.

"We've given ourselves a chance, but it's not over yet. We're going to have to bowl very well."

He added: "We have really dug deep on this tour and the spirit in the team has really helped."

Thorpe described his hundred as one of his best after England finished day four with all the aces.

"It is probably one of the best hundreds I've played," said Thorpe, who had scored just 39 runs in three previous innings this series.

"I pulled it out from somewhere as I haven't been hitting the ball too well lately.

"Trying to be philosophical and trying to relax is one thing, but I walked out and said a little prayer to God," Thorpe admitted.

"I went out there and dug as deep as I possibly could and that's all you can do."

Thorpe's 118 not out led the visitors to 570-7 declared after they had lost three wickets for 21, setting South Africa a Durban-record 378 to win.

The highest total they chased down previously was 340 to beat Australia in 2002.

They did not get off to a great start, falling to 21-1 at stumps, with Matthew Hoggard trapping home skipper Graeme Smith lbw for five.

The hosts will resume with Herschelle Gibbs 11 not out and nightwatchman Nicky Boje on four.