We can adjust to different conditions at Leeds, says Graeme Smith – Cricket News Update
After a satisfying victory against England at the Oval, Graeme Smith, the South African skipper, is all praise for his side and expressed that the boys have the capacity to adjust in Headingley, where conditions are likely to be different than the first Test.
The Proteas outclassed England in the first of the three-match series by an innings and 12 runs to go 1-0 up in the series, which will decide the world’s number one ranked Test side.
The conditions at the Oval were not in favour of the home team, which usually relishes bowling-friendly environments, but the pitch for the first Test had no support for the fast bowlers. Headingley (the Leeds) is expected to help the seamers, allowing James Anderson and company to make an impression.
Smith, who himself scored a brilliant hundred to set the tone for his side, was all praise for his batting line-up, which has been strengthened by the fact that AB de Villiers is keeping wickets, after a career-ending injury to Mark Boucher, which enabled a batsman of the calibre of JP Duminy to bat at number seven.
The left-handed opener expressed that his batsmen have the ability to counter the English bowlers in the upcoming Leeds Test, which will begin from August 2.
"We've got a batting unit that's been around for a period of time now, been successful in conditions around the world," Smith said. "We know we're going to Headingley and the conditions are going to be different. The team is very motivated to prepare as well for that Test match and understand it will be different at Headingley and we'll need to play a slightly different game.”
The South African captain, who flew back home after the Oval Test due to some family reasons, will be back in England by Monday. He believes that his side comprises of many experienced players, who have the ability to adjust in different conditions.
"We believe we've got the players who can adapt and mentally we've got a lot of experience of what we need to do to be successful there," he added.
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