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England have to continue with their winning momentum, they have grabbed in the ODI series against Pakistan, ahead of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, feels fast bowler Stuart Broad.

24-year-old Broad, who has been one of the stars of England's successful run with the white ball, said conditions in Indian sub-continent will be difficult during the World Cup and so it is important to maintain high standards on the run-up.

"I think we're in a really good place as the England cricket team at the moment. We've played successful Twenty20 cricket in the past two games and also in the World Twenty20," Broad said.

"It is important for us to keep the standards high, which we have set this summer. We've got about 13 or 14 games before the ICC (Cricket) World Cup and we know what an important tournament that is.

"We know it is tough playing cricket in India as it is different conditions to what we are used to as an England team but it is still good practice winning and working on power plays and that sort of stuff,' he added.

Broad said the good form has made the England cricketers a confident lot. "We're a confident side and it is certainly up to us to transfer that form in the two Twenty20s into this one-day series and into Australia and the World Cup as we know how key momentum is in one-day cricket," he said.

Broad believes it would be a fantastic experience playing in the World Cup in the sub-continent. "We all know as international cricketers what an exciting place the sub-continent is to play cricket. The passion in the stands is great to see and the crowds are always really excitable and it is a fantastic experience to play in," he told ICC Cricket World audio show this week.

England captain Andrew Strauss won the toss and sent South Africa out to bat in the first test at Centurion on Wednesday.

South Africa were rocked before the toss by the news that fast bowler Dale Steyn was unable to play due to a tight hamstring.

His withdrawal means 29-year-old Friedel de Wet is set for his international debut.

South Africa have also recalled lanky fast bowler Morne Morkel. Paceman Makhaya Ntini will celebrate a top-class career by becoming the fifth South African to play 100 tests.

England are playing an additional batsman with Ian Bell earning a 50th test cap. The weather at Centurion is fine and sunny.

Teams:

South Africa - Graeme Smith, Ashwell Prince, Hashim Amla,Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Friedel de Wet, Makhaya Ntini.

England - Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Jimmy Anderson, Graham Onions. {#}

Fabio Capello has promised worried Premier League bosses he will not risk their star men in England's friendly with Holland.

Steven Gerrard and Ben Foster have already pulled out, with Theo Walcott almost certain to follow them after withdrawing from training on Tuesday night without making any meaningful contribution.

Capello has also reported a slight doubt over Emile Heskey due to a long-standing Achilles complaint.

And, having pledged to make the maximum six substitutions, the Italian has attempted to reassure club bosses anxiously waiting for the curtain to go up on a new Premier League season at the weekend.

"I always try to help the managers," said Capello. "When I was a club manager, I said the same things as them. I didn't like it (an August friendly) either. That is normal.

"I didn't decide this date, FIFA did it. I have to choose the best players for the England team because I think it is very important. But I will make six substitutions because it is important to look after the players."

Capello has confirmed Gerrard's injury means Ashley Young will start for the first time after five previous substitute appearances for the Aston Villa man.

Two of those caps came during Capello's reign. The first represented just about the only negative from a marvellous night in Berlin last November, when England defeated Germany.

As the second came in a six-goal rout of Andorra in June, it is that first disappointing appearance that provides the reference point for Capello's analysis.

"Every player has a different style and Ashley Young is really important because he is one of the English players who can dribble and take people on one on one," said Capello. "He has only played twice for me. The first time it was so-so. The second he played very well.

"Now he needs the confidence to perform against one of the best national sides in the world."

Young represents the example for every young player to follow as England embark on an 11-month period they hope will end in World Cup glory.

Frank Lampard has described it as the biggest moment in so many England careers. Capello is not about to disagree. And he includes his own.

"They were very important words from one of the leaders of the team," said Capello. "And I think the other players think the same. It is really important for them, and for me. But first we have to get there. Then we will focus on the World Cup."