Motivation the key in Port Elizabeth

Having already clinched the series and retained the No 1 ranking, it would be easy for South Africa to ease off in the final match of the one-day series against Australia in Port Elizabeth on Friday. Ricky Ponting has called for the Aussies to end on a high but as always with dead rubbers, it may come down to who has the greater motivation.

For me, when there are dead rubbers, especially in one-day cricket, it is easier to play them when you are the home side than the visitors. Everyone is professional and do try, but it's so easy to either take your foot off the gas when you've won a series, or to just give up a little when you can't win.

Playing at home is easier because you know you don't have to travel anywhere afterwards and in general, you are more relaxed and at ease. Bet365 make South Africa 4/5 to win Friday's match, with Australia evens.

I can see South Africa winning this one too because a 4-1 series win looks better than 3-2, and feels better too, giving them renewed belief after their loss in the Test series.

Graeme Smith is 3/1 to lead from the front by being the leading runscorer for his side in this one, with Herschelle Gibbs, coming off a fine century, next at 7/2. Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis are each 4/1. with AB de Villiers 9/2 and JP Duminy 13/2.

For Australia, you can be pretty sure that Ponting will not let up and the skipper is 10/3 favourite to top-score, with Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin both 4/1. The Hussey brothers are each 5/1 and the top scorer should come from those five.

I think the bookies have it about right for this one, but at 4/5 South Africa are still worth backing on what looks like being another good pitch.