'Nice Little Contest' Shaping Up - Robin Peterson

'Nice Little Contest' Shaping Up - Robin Peterson

Robin Peterson (right) is looking forward to tomorrow's contest in Durban

©REUTERS / Action Images

Ahead of tomorrow's fourth One-Day International between the South Africa and Pakistan in Durban, South African all-rounder Robin Peterson says the series is shaping up to be a 'nice little contest'.

South Africa lead the series 2-1 after wins in Bloemfontein and Johannesburg but will be missing batsman Faf du Plessis due to injury.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have called up Sohail Tanvir as cover for giant seamer Mohammad Irfan, who was instrumental in Pakistan's victory in the second game.

"We want to win the series and Pakistan has to win to stay alive so it’s a nice little contest that is set up for Thursday," Peterson said ahead of the game in Durban.

"Pakistan tend to play well when their backs are against the wall, they play with more freedom and that is what makes them dangerous. It's an important game; the pressure is always there when you play for your country and its going to be no different on Thursday."

As the build-up to the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy continues, Peterson is aware of the importance of putting a good run of results together.

"Thursday is also an opportunity for us to show that we have the ability to be consistent in this format," he said.

"We have a lot of new faces, people are starting to gel and we are getting used to each other's games. That is important if you want to achieve consistency, it is something we have discussed and something that we want to put right."

And that confidence is reflected in Peterson's belief that du Plessis's absence should not be felt too keenly, with either David Miller or Quinton de Kock set to replace him.

"When you miss key players in an important game it’s always a big loss. It will test out our depth as a squad which is important looking ahead to the Champions Trophy in England."

© Cricket World 2013