England are set to be assisted in their preparations for the test series against South Africa (England 4/1 to win the series on Betfred test betting coupon) with coaching from former captain Graham Gooch.

The Essex batting coach is to work with the national team on a temporary basis for the four-test series which starts on December 16th in Centurion.

Gooch is due to fly out to South Africa (1/2 to win the test series on coupon) this weekend and will work with England coach Andy Flowers and his other specialists after the end of the one-day international series.

Hugh Morris, managing director of England cricket, said: “Graham is rightly regarded as one of the best batting coaches in international cricket, and we are delighted to have secured his services for a key period of our preparations leading up to the first Test.”

England were beaten heavily in the third ODI, reaching 242 in reply to South Africa’s score which was set at 345 for six.

The series is now tied at 1-1 heading into the fourth game in Port Elizabeth on Sunday (England 13/8 South Africa 4/9 to win on coupon), but captain Andrew Strauss claims England are improving and heading in the right direction.

He said he was pleased to have Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad (both 33/1 to be top batsman on ODI coupon)  back in his side and emphasised that the fourth test was now of massive importance.

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