England Lions will be hoping to finish their tour of South Africa on a high, when they play their final match at Benoni on Thursday.

After draws in the two Tests against South Africa A, the tourists have now claimed an unassailable 3-0 advantage in the one-day series, with the third match of the series, at Potchefstroom, falling victim to the weather.

Nottinghamshire’s Harry Gurney will be hoping to play his part today, after missing the fourth match at Pretoria on Monday.

The left-arm quick bowler has quickly shut out any disappointment at not making the squad for the ICC World Cup tournament Down Under, by turning in a succession of fine performances against South Africa’s second-string.

Gurney knows the importance of being ready, should his services be required as a late replacement.

“The tour has been a great opportunity to hopefully show the selectors what they are missing and push myself to the top of the queue if there’s an injury to anyone in the squad.”

He has picked up five wickets in the series so far, at an average of only 13.6 and with an economy rate of under 5 runs per over.

The task now is to finish the series in style at the Sahara Willowmoore Park. Gurney picked up figures of 3-26 in the First ODI in Bloemfontein and says he’s pleased at how the tour has gone for him.

“I’m very happy with my own form so far," he said.

"I’ve been working hard on my new ball bowling in order to complement better my death skills and hopefully, it’ll make me a more rounded performer.

"The early signs are good. The conditions provide superb cricket too, there is generally enough in each wicket to keep batters and bowlers interested.

“We are keen to finish the tour undefeated and come home 4-0 winners.”

The 28-year old had a front-row seat earlier this week as the Lions wrapped up the series, thanks to an astonishing innings from Ben Stokes. The Durham all-rounder blasted an undefeated 151, made from only 86 balls, an innings that included 15 sixes and 7 fours.

“It was an absolute pleasure to watch,” says Gurney. “He was peppering the boundaries and is a nightmare to bowl at when in that mood.”

Gurney’s county team-mate, Samit Patel, is also on the tour and will be itching to play a major part in today’s match.

“Samit’s fine,” reports the left-armer.

“We have been room-mates on this tour and have had a good laugh.

“You always know there’s a match-winning performance from him just around the corner.”

Hopefully that chance will come today, although each and every member of the squad has been given an opportunity to impress.

“We’ve shown the depth of our squad by constantly changing the team a bit but still winning,” he said.

“South Africa has been great. I love the country, the food and wine is fantastic and they are sport mad.”

Like the rest of the squad Gurney is looking forward to getting back home but knows those plans could change in an instant, should the call arrive for a new face for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

“My schedule is now home, after this last game, then looking forward to spending some time in my new house which I bought just before Xmas,” said Gurney.

“I’ll have a bit of bit of down time away from cricket but will keep ticking over, just in case there’s an injury at the World Cup and I get the call.”

That call, if it comes, may just save him from a spot of DIY.

“I think my girlfriend has got some blinds for me to install... I can hardly contain my excitement.”

 

Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.