We bowled well as a unit says Graeme Smith – Cricket News Update
South African skipper, Graeme Smith lauded the bowling performance of the team after winning their home Test series against Sri Lanka, claiming that his side bowled well as a unit.
It was a thumping victory for the hosts, who finally notched up their first home series win in over three years, emerging victorious in the deciding third Test by 10 wickets.
The platform was provided by their batters with Jacques Kallis playing a career best knock of 224, provided able support from Alviro Petersen and AB de Villiers who both made impressive tons.
It helped the Proteas put on 580 in their first innings, at an impeccable run rate of 4.17 – allowing the bowlers plenty of time to take 20 Lankan wickets. The pace batteries duly obliged as they skittle their opponents for just 239 in the first innings to enforce a follow on.
It included 3-wicket hauls for Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, while a brace for Morne Morkel. More importantly, leg-spinner Imran Tahir also got 2 important scalps, complimenting the seamers.
The hosts were then made to work hard in the second innings; courtesy of an unbeaten century by Thilan Samaraweera . However their resilience was broken by another strong showing by the bowling unit which saw Tahir, Philander and Kallis take crucial breakthroughs as Proteas were set just 2 to win the Test match.
Smith was impressed with the endeavours of his bowlers, a notion he gave more importance then the extraordinary batting efforts of his middle-order.
"We bowled well as a unit. Yesterday, each guy bowled really well in their spells and we were able to create pressure. It wasn't just one guy bowling outstandingly and picking up seven or eight wickets. All three seamers and Imran [Tahir] worked together in partnerships," said Smith.
Smith added that the win will hold his team in good stead ahead of some important tours in 2012.
“This win in particular gives us a lot to build on for the year to come. The way we won here was important. We had good partnerships with the bat and the ball, and everything we've been talking about came out strongly," added Smith.
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