Friday August 3, 2012
Proteas captain Smith takes aim at number one spot
LEEDS: South African captain Graeme Smith on Wednesday said the current Proteas team were the best group of men he had been involved with and were determined to become the best Test team in the world.
“I’m not going to try to be nice about it, we are training every day to try to be that team,” Smith said ahead of the second Test against England at Headingley.
“We need to walk that walk and go out to the middle and win those games to prove that to people. Our mindset is that we would love to be holders of that title.”
Smith, who has captained South Africa since 2003, was asked whether the current team was the best he had led.
“I think so,” was his reply.
“We’ve got most of our bases covered and as a group of men, certainly it is the best group of men that I have been around.”
South Africa will take the number one ranking from England if they win at Headingley to clinch the three-match series, following their innings and 12 runs victory in the first Test at the Oval.
Smith acknowledged that there was a tight battle at the top of the rankings, with several teams in contention, all wanting to open some space between themselves and the next team.
“That’s the challenge for all of us, to try and get that gap. Cricket is exciting at the moment because of it. All the teams are tight and every series is exciting to watch among the top teams.
“Our goal is to push forward, as is England’s. If we are the team that could push forward and play consistently at the top level, that’s our goal along with every other team.”
However, Smith’s opposite number Andrew Strauss admitted that England are set on making up for the disappointment of the Oval. — AFP
- Hosts Malaysia make a tame exit at the hands of Germany
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- It’s the last $traw thanks to the BWF
- Japanese upset Danes and Joo-bong is all smiles
- Denmark not prepared to take on mighty China just yet
- Tommy not afraid to play for country despite loss
- Dane loves to unwind with her Modern Family
- Low Wee Wern fails to clear opening round again in British Open
- Cyclists give the thumbs up to world-class velodrome
- Injured Murray withdraws from French Open
- I thought of pulling out after "stupid" Woods remark - Garcia
- Garcia sorry after "stupid" Woods fried chicken jibe
- Banker Carrion bids for IOC presidency
- Del Potro pulls out of French Open
- CAS reject Murofushi appeal against IOC election block
- Cycling: Wintry weather may force more Giro changes
- Cricket: Warner fined for Twitter outburst
- Garcia apologises for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods
- Tomic will play French Open despite troubles - Woodbridge
- Winger Ioane faces fitness race for first Lions test
RSS
