Graeme Smith eyes the Top spot against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 - Cricket News Update
South African skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473 is determined to become the number one Test team in the world by defeating England on their home ground for the second successive after emerging victorious in 2008.
The visitors are eyeing history to become the first South African side to achieve the honours, if they win the upcoming three-match series starting from Thursday.
"We're looking forward to getting hold of that ranking and performing well. This Test series offers us an opportunity," the left-handed batsman said
The touring captain believes that his team’s strong away record gives them a real chance to perform the great feat. The tourists have an immaculate record against the hosts as they haven’t lost a series in England since 1998. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598’s men are further undefeated
in their last six away outings.
"We've been really consistent, away from home our record speaks for itself. In all conditions I think it's fair to say that we've been the most consistent team over a period of time,” said Smith.
The Proteas captain feels confident that despite playing two rain-affected side matches at Taunton and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Canterbury-c775, his side is well-prepared to take on the challenge from the opposition.
“I think there's a real feeling of contentment and clarity in the squad. We've had more preparation time than on most of our tours. We're at a point where we want to be," the Proteas captain added.
Smith, who first toured England as the youngest South African captain in 2003, smashed back to back double centuries in Edgbaston and Lord’s and averages 72.20 in 9 Test matches on English soil.
The opener feels that his side has a better bowling attack than what they had in 2008 while has backed his bowlers to emulate their pervious success.
The Proteas skipper said that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-c64193 Tahir, it gives an extra dimension to their bowling attack.
The first Test at the Oval will be the 31-year-old’s 100th Test and while he is pleased with the achievement, he is more focused on the match rather than his milestone.
"I'm extremely proud, it's something that doesn't come easy, but there is a bigger thing at stake here,” Smith concluded.
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