THIRD ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL: England v South Africa
Venue: The Oval Date: Friday, 29 August Start time: 1045 BST
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South Africa's problems continued with news that skipper Graeme Smith will miss the third one-day international on Friday with a tennis elbow problem.
Smith has battled through the condition for much of the summer but will not be risked at The Oval, despite his side needing a win to keep the series alive.
The 27-year-old is set to miss the rest of the series and will see a surgeon to determine if he needs an operation.
Jacques Kallis is expected to captain the side in Smith's absence.
The all-rounder quit the vice-captaincy last year after he was axed from the Proteas' Twenty20 squad.
Kallis, who has also suffered tennis elbow problems, which in his case required surgery, has captained his country in the past, filling in for Smith on two separate occasions in 2006 and 2007 and taking charge of seven one-day internationals.
South Africa have lost the opening two matches of the series, the latest a humiliating 10-wicket defeat at Trent Bridge after the tourists could only score 83.
Smith was booed by the crowd at the post-match presentation, and apologised for his side's dramatic collapse.
Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has given his backing to Kallis, who he believes is capable of helping South Africa out of the current crisis.
"I know he gave up the vice-captaincy a little while ago because there were a few issues there and there probably still are a few issues," Boucher said.
"But if it's as a stand-in and an emergency I don't think he will say no to helping the team out."
"There's no reason why we can't change momentum. It's going to take a massive effort from the senior players but it's an opportunity for us to stand up and be counted.
Boucher, who has led South Africa in the past, is expected to be Kallis' vice-captain on Friday and he said his country still have it all to play for with three games to play.
"I said to the guys in the changing room after the game that not all is lost," Boucher added.
"We have been 2-0 down before and came back to win that series in Pakistan. Somehow we have got to try to do it again.
"It seems a long way away to win three games in a row but England have won two in a row and it's only one more game than that.
(BBC)
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