England have identified their next match against South Africa as the acid test of their one-day international progress.
An opening victory at Centurion last week means the tourists can take an unbeatable 2‑0 lead if they see off their hosts for what would be a seventh successive time.
It is an encouraging scenario for Andrew Strauss, who is also well aware South Africa will be determined to bounce back at Newlands, a venue where they have a formidable record.
"There is a long-term plan in improving our one-day cricket — and these sorts of games are the ones that can really take us forward," said the captain. "We've said in the past we've always responded well to defeat but have not been quite so great on building on a good performance. We're going to try to put ourselves under a bit of pressure in this game to make sure we build on that."
Among those facing an examination tomorrow is fit-again seamer Stuart Broad.
He has not played since suffering a shoulder injury three weeks and South Africa have already talked of exploiting his possible vulnerabilities in his first match back.
"It's a little bit of a test of his character," said Strauss. "Those sorts of comments have a good way of motivating you. He looked in fine fettle during practice yesterday."
