South African coach Gary Kirsten praises his team - Cricket News Update
South African coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 by an innings margin at the Oval to draw first blood in the three-match series.
The home side was convincingly outplayed by the tourist in all departments of the game and lost 20 wickets against only 2, the opposition batting supremely well and bowled masterfully to take a crucial lead in the series.
For Coach, Kirsten, the challenge was heightened considering the prize at stake and a victory at the Oval was just what the doctor ordered.
The former Cape Town player, who was once the highest run-getter (7289 runs in 101 Tests at 45.27) for his country before his record was surpassed by Captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473, knows exactly what it takes to defeat the world’s number one Test-side on their home
soil.
“We have great respect for this English cricket team,’ he said. ‘We know they’ll try to bounce back. But we want to become the best team in the world and this win is just part of the process,” the 44-year-old said.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Cook-c1026 on the opening day.
However, events changed swiftly in favour of the Proteas after they restricted the home side to 385 before compiling a mammoth 637 for 2, taking a commanding 252-run lead.
That proved decisive as England crumbled on Day 4 and 5 to lose their first home Test match since 2010, leaving Kirsten to laud his side’s impeccable performance.
“It was a great performance from us — very special. It won’t always run that way, but we think we can go out and play cricket like that on a regular basis. We have guys who don’t give their wickets away,’ he said. ‘They take pride in spending time at the
crease,” the former South African opener further added.
The second match of the series will be held at Headingley from 2nd of next month.
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