South Africa appear to be the better side on paper but history says England have always had the upper hand between the two.

England's record against South Africa both at home and away give a picture that could bring a huge smile on the faces of English fans. Their record at home is even better. But one look at the statistics since the Proteas have come back since the Apartheid era and a lot has changed since.

Both countries have faced each other 130 times out of which England have won 54 and lost 26. 50 were drawn. In England the teams have faced each other 57 times and the English win rate at 45.61 is three times higher than the South Africa's at a lowly 15.79. This story is a bit sweeter for the Proteans at Lord's where they have won the last three encounters by big margins.

At home though South Africa have bettered their record against the English and out of 73 matches they have won 17 as compared to England's 28 wins.

Since 1994, when South Africa came back post the Apartheid era, there has been nothing to choose between the two countries. Out of a total of 28 Tests both the sides have won eight each. 12 have ended in draws, most often ending in thrilling fashion.

The last five match series played between the two teams in South Africa in the year 2004-05 was taken by England at 2-1. The English side were riding high on a great pace quartet in Steve Harmison, Simon Jones, Freddie and Mathew Hoggard.

The 2003-04 series in England was also a keenly contested five match series, often testing the players' talent, stamina and cgaracter. The results eventually reflected a drawn 2-2 result. This was Graeme Smith's first series as captain in England.

This time around, South Africa's pace attack with the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel could well make the difference. That is precisely why the Proteas have been talking up their English rivals on the real threat.

All is now set for some rivetting cricket. England's batting is well braced to counter the South African fury of pace and swing. Steyn and Morkel would be itching to have a go in the seamer freindly English conditions.