England confident of series success

(GETTY IMAGES)

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

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 intent is to attack the situation 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 ODI fixtures against South Africa yet, against other opponents, have established a strange trend of failing to build on victories to stay in control of series.

"We want to improve our consistency," Prior added.

"We're always good coming back from a defeat or a poor performance.

"But the importance of winning after a win is huge, and that's something we all want to start doing - and Friday is a good opportunity for us to do that."