South African bowlers urged to lift their game

Skipper Graeme Smith said he was disappointed with his attack, which allowed his opposite Stephen Fleming to score a century and lead his team to victory by overhauling South Africa's 253 on Tuesday.

"We have had a discussion and we'll have another one this afternoon and the bowlers know they have to perform better," Smith said on Thursday.

"Compared to their bowlers on the day, we were way off and we have got to lift the bar tomorrow," he said at Wellington Stadium, the venue for Friday's third match.

Record rainfalls in the area have brought widespread flooding and while

Smith will play despite still suffering the effects of influenza while Lance Klusener was doubtful due to a back injury suffered in the Christchurch game. Medium-pacer Albie Morkel is set to replace Klusener if he cannot play.

Fleming expressed concern with the pitch and said reading New Zealand wickets was a "lottery" that took away some of the advantage of playing at home.

"They're too hard to read, so to a certain extent I don't bother," he said.

"We did well in Christchurch but I don't want to dwell too much on that. I think there are outside circumstances (weather) that will dictate this one."