The three-Test series is all-square after South Africa won the 1st Test at Lords while England levelled matters with a win at Old Trafford.

The Proteas will have to bolster their batting line-up with Rassie van der Dussen out with an injury, which could create an opportunity for Ryan Rickleton.

Batter Keegan Petersen says the top order needs to come to the party.

“I think it’s quite obvious, we need to score hundreds at the top,” said Petersen.

“That hasn’t been there for a while and the lower order has saved us a few times. It’s quite evident that the batters have to step up now and get a few big scores.

“It's all mental - I don't think we've struggled to get in. It's getting starts and getting out, that's the problem.

“It's the situation in the middle that you have to prepare for, and you know it's going to be tough. You have to at least try and fight through that tough period.

“That's where you have to challenge yourself mentally all the time. There's no real process of doing that. It's just going to happen in the moment.”

Play at the Oval is scheduled to start on Thursday noon.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport