Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood talk during the third cricket test match. REUTERS

"British bulldog" Paul Collingwood personifies the mettle Andy Flower hopes will help England deliver a series victory in South Africa.

Collingwood was one of three players who covered themselves in glory as England somehow clung on with nine wickets down, for the second time in three matches, to deny their hosts victory in the third Test at Newlands.

Ian Bell and number 11 Graham Onions, reprising his central role to block out the final over just as he had in the first Test at Centurion, were the others who served their country so well yesterday.

Coach Flower was full of admiration as he reflected on England's winter achievements so far, and set his sights on finishing the job in the final Test in Johannesburg next week.

After their victory in Durban over Christmas, England are in an unbeatable position - 1-0 up in the series, with one match to play.

But Flower insisted: "We're not thinking about the fact we can't lose it. We want to win it - and we'd like to win it 2-0."

To that end, he is delighted to have Collingwood et al on his side. "He's a typical British bulldog," Flower said of the Durham batsman, who shared a century stand with Bell to keep South Africa at bay for 57 overs and buy Onions just enough time for his heroic repeat to again save the day.

- Cricket 365