Vaughan calls on old heads

Much has been made of the Test specialists' lack of match practice. More important, perhaps, is for the whole squad to recreate that air of invincibility that was so obvious during the summer.

They were anything but invincible here. "We all realise cricket is a mental game," said Vaughan. "We'll have to make sure we are right come Friday. We are hurt from a bad loss but we'll move on."

Barring injuries, there seems little chance of England changing their team on Friday. Simon Jones or Jimmy Anderson for the final bowling place could re-emerge as a debating point, depending on conditions in Port Elizabeth, but the batting department looks set - for this Test at least.

"They've certainly turned it on in the past when it has mattered," said Vaughan when asked whether he was worried about the lack of runs here from Mark Butcher and Graham Thorpe. The Surrey veterans failed in both innings but have been in this position before.

England can only hope that Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard are now experienced enough to respond from less than sparkling displays here and produce the performances Vaughan needs.

Harmison, especially, is under extra pressure as the world's No1 Test bowler. Like most of his colleagues, he did not have much to shout about in Potchefstroom.

Vaughan is banking on an altogether livelier atmosphere once England are off the High Veldt and down by the coast.