Graeme Smith delighted with South Africa?s performances in 2012 ? Cricket News Update
South Africa?s Test skipper, Graeme Smith, is extremely satisfied with his side?s performances in international cricket in the previous year and the left-handed opening batsman hopes that the Proteas will continue to deliver the goods.
After starting 2012 with a series victory against Sri Lanka at home, Smith and company defeated New Zealand, England and Australia on away tours to announce their supremacy in the longer format of the game.
Having outclassed England by two games to none, the Proteas were crowned as the world?s number one ranked Test team.
It was predicted by some sporting analysts that Australia would snatch the title from South Africa by beating them in home conditions; however, Smith?s men showed their character down under and won the series.
South Africa?s new challenge in the 5-day version is the series against New Zealand, which starts tomorrow at the Newlands, Cape Town, which will be followed by a three-match series against Pakistan next month.
Smith is relieved that his team will be able to play some cricket in home conditions, with less pressure.
He expressed, ?The team has taken big steps forward last year. We've travelled a lot in the last year. It was hostile, it was tough. Hopefully now we can play the same style of cricket in South Africa with home support.?
South Africa, because of their recent form at the ultimate stage of the game, will surely start the series against the Black Caps as clear favourites; however, their captain has made it clear that the team is not ready to be complacent and will give their best against New Zealand.
?The way the guys have trained this week has been intense. We've had five days together and the work rate has been good. It is great to sit in team meetings and listen to how the guys want to take the team forward and not rest on our laurels,? added the South African Test captain.
The hosts have been boosted by the news that Vernon Philander, their new ball bowler, has been declared fit for the Cape Town Test. Philander has been extremely successful in Test cricket since debuting in 2011.
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