If England can complete a series victory in South Africa, Stuart Broad believes it will be the next step on the road to becoming the world’s number one team.

The Nottinghamshire fast bowler believes reaching the summit of the rankings is a realistic goal for the current England team, who lead the series against South Africa 1-0 with two to play.

“We’ve put ourselves in a fantastic position against the world’s No 1 team on their own patch and this is not a chance to throw away,” he said.

“We are aware of how tough South Africa are to beat and we know we need to ramp up all aspects of our game.

“But it is a great chance for us to do something special. It’s a long road to get to be the best test team in the world — and we’re at the start of that road.

“We know we will only get there if we can win big series away from home which is why we are so determined to take this opportunity.”

Having spent over 15 hours in the field, watching South Africa compile 627-7 during the second Test in Cape Town, Broad was glad of a week’s rest leading into Johannesburg.

“It was a welcome break in such a tough schedule,” he said. “That is the first time I’ve been involved in back-to-back Tests.

“You normally have three days between games and that is hard work, but to have two was a real test.

“Fortunately, we were spared a full day in the field on day five in Durban by bowling so well on the final morning. But the bowlers certainly had to toil in Cape Town, which was one for the batsmen.”

An explosive double-century from Ben Stokes grabbed the headlines at Cape Town and Broad admitted to being taken aback by the power of the Durham all-rounder.

“The atmosphere in the changing room viewing area was almost surreal,” he said.

“Normally a boundary would get a big cheer or a clap, but some of his strikes were greeted with silence, almost shock.

“He struck some sixes that were so big and powerful that it didn’t feel like they could go in the area he was smashing them.

“The only downside was that it did not lead to victory, though no team should lose on that wicket.

“The upshot is that we’re in a dream position heading to the third Test in Johannesburg."

 

England are returning to the scene of their Ashes triumph in 2016 for Royal London One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the world go toe-to-toe in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge and secure your seats now.