England are hoping that Alex Hales is fit for the third Test against South Africa after the opener became the latest player to be hit by a virus

SOUNDBITE (English): Alastair Cook, England captain

"Well we are in a really good position. And it is an exciting time to play on probably two result wickets. These next two games, we need to win one of them to win the series. And it is a great situation to be in. We have played some good cricket so far on tour. But obviously the danger of looking, saying we just need to win one game is that you start to look too far ahead. There is a lot of hard work and we need to do a lot of good things to win the game and put South Africa under pressure. So as players start leading into the game, that is what we concentrate on. And the results will start to look after themselves if we play well."

SOUNDBITE (English): Alastair Cook, England captain

"We think so. Alex Hales has got a bit of a bug yesterday and today (Wednesday). He has come for a hit now, and he will go straight after that so he doesn't try and infect the rest of us. So yeah, we will have to wait and see on him, but he had a hit so he can't be too bad."

Reporter question: I suppose this 24-hour thing (the bug) can tend to last - so is that a bit of a worry?

"Well, you can't do anything about it, as captain. The medical team are on it. Yeah, it seems to strike a bit randomly. Nick (Compton) had it the other day. But hopefully he (Hales) will be fine."

SOUNDBITE (English): Alastair Cook, England captain

"And obviously South Africa have got a pretty good record here. Sides have beaten South Africa here - it is not as if they win every single game here. But if the ball does fly and seam about, we have good a pretty good seam attack as well. And if it does get warm and does spin a little bit, we have got the option with the same balanced side of a good spinner as well. so I am very comfortable with this team playing on any conditions."