17 November 2004	Wednesday	04 Shawwal 1425

JAIPUR, Nov 16: South African skipper Graeme Smith said on Tuesday his team had to learn to be patient on slow pitches if they hoped to do well in an upcoming two-Test series against India.

"Patience is the key here as you can't get runs at a rate like in Australia or South Africa," said Smith.

"One has to come to terms with this fact and try to adjust to the conditions."

The South African team did not have a bright start on tour as they struggled against an Indian Board President's XI, conceding a 135-run first innings lead and were then reduced to 172-8 at close of the final day's play Tuesday.

"I wouldn't say that we had a disappointing start as we declared our first innings with six wickets down and then tried our batting around in the second innings," said Smith.

South Africa declared their first innings at 226-5 and the home side replied with 361-6 declared before the visitors were left struggling to salvage a draw as Smith and an injured Jacques Kallis batted way down the order.

"In fact, I thought the Indian team did not play positively enough or else we would have had a result in the match," said the 23-year-old, who took over from Shaun Pollock after last year's World Cup.

"We have a lot of guys who are talented. They may not have records like (Sachin) Tendulkar but they have potential and need to show it in the Tests," said the left-handed opener.

South Africa are here with a young team of which 10 players have not played Tests in India before.

Apart from the retirement of players like Gary Kirsten, Jonty Rhodes and Allan Donald in a space of over a year, South Africa also had a setback before embarking on the tour as two players withdrew from the team.

Opener Herschelle Gibbs and left-arm spinner Nicky Boje decided not to tour India fearing detention by police over match-fixing allegations.

The duo's names figured prominently in investigations after Delhi Police busted the case in 2000 that led to a life ban on late skipper Hansie Cronje, who died in an air crash in 2002.

Wicket-keeper Mark Boucher and all-rounder Lance Klusener too were not picked by the selectors, leaving a young side for a tough tour on which they are expected to counter slow turning tracks.

Smith felt his team was progressing well on tour.

"Our players have studied the conditions and have worked hard in the nets. We are in the process of cementing ideas and the way we plan to play but will surely have to drive harder in the Tests," he said.

"The advantage of having young guys in the team is that they are not scared of anything. The idea is to try to adjust fast, enjoy the game and make the most of opportunities that come your way," Smith said.

South Africa have a fine record against India, winning seven of 14 Tests, losing two and drawing five.

They won both Tests of their last tour to India four years ago.-AFP