Graeme Smith braces for an exciting clash against England - Cricket News Update
The South African captain Graeme Smith, in his interview with the Wisden's online magazine, was confident of overcoming a tough task when his side will face a strong English unit for a three-match Test series, starting at the Oval on July 19.
Smith is on his third English tour and is no stranger to current conditions after having led his side twice before, in 2003 and 2008. The left-hander holds a good record against the Englishmen, both as a batsman and as a captain.
The 31-year-old is the only other batsman along with Sir Donald Bradman to score back to back double-centuries against England in their own backyard. However, the left-hander, who defeated the home side four years ago, believes that it will take more than just talent to upset the world’s best Test side.
“England are more disciplined, smarter and better prepared than four years ago,’ he said. ‘All the players who are still around from the last series have got better. They are a very, very good team at home and deserve to be ranked No 1.”
The Johannesburg player feels confident about his side’s preparation to counter the upcoming challenge, while has also reiterated his resolve not to allow his men to play second fiddle to top Test side.
“I’m not going to compete for underdog status! If some people want to make us favourites then I’ll take that as a compliment, not reject it,” the South African said.
The tourists remain one of the best Test sides in the world, including Smith, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and Jacques Rudolph in their impressive batting lineup, while the ICC’s number-one ranked Test bowler Dale Steyn, leading an exciting pack of fast bowlers.
With the two sides equally matched, the tourists have an opportunity to become the new number one Test side in the world permitting, they win the series.
“Whatever happens, there’s a very good chance that people will see some high-quality, intensely competitive cricket — some cricket that people may remember for quite a while afterwards. We both want to win very much. It’s going to be quite a clash.”
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