|
|
|
| February 07, 2007 | Wednesday | Muharram 18, 1428 |
Bouncy track at Durban to suit SA, says Smith
DURBAN, Feb 6: South African skipper Graeme Smith said his side was looking forward to making the most of a bouncy track at Kingsmead for the second One-day International against Pakistan scheduled for Wednesday.
"The pitch here always has pace and bounce, and that's why it's one of our favourite surfaces," Smith said in Durban on Tuesday.
“That's probably also why it's the pitch that visiting teams enjoy the least in South Africa - particularly teams from the sub-continent," he said. “We are already one up in the contest and the boys are looking ahead to double the lead tomorrow.”
Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, however, wasn't about to let that gauntlet lay unaccepted. "There will be pace and bounce, which means we will enjoy it," the tourists’ burly skipper burbled through his beard. "Kingsmead has perfect conditions for good cricket, so don’t rule out a comeback from us.”
Injuries have taken their toll on the visitors and while the latest emergency replacement, all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, was due to arrive in Durban on Tuesday night he will not be considered for Wednesday's match if team sources are to be believed.
On the other hand, South Africa will welcome Herschelle Gibbs back from his ban for abusive trash-talking, with Loots Bosman the most likely player to make way for the wayward stalwart.
Charl Langeveldt seems set to play , ahead of Robin Peterson, but the weather which is often an enemy of cricket in Durban, could play ball this time with a marginal 30 percent forecast for rain on Wednesday.
The present South African batting line-up for One-day International cricket is something special, says coach Mickey Arthur.
The team's performance in Centurion last weekend, when South Africa made 392-6 in the first of five ODIs against Pakistan, proved what Proteas were capable of when they got off to a good start.
“Add Herschelle Gibbs to that batting line-up and you have something special,” Arthur noted.
Arthur said his team had played well in all three departments — batting, bowling and fielding. “We showed we had taken our fielding, in particular, to new heights. Now, we plan to provide our best players with as much match practice as possible ahead of the World Cup. So, we won't easily change the winning combination.
“We also realise Pakistan can regain their best form at any time and we are not taking them lightly,” Arthur expressed.
“We have to maintain that momentum and put Pakistan under even more pressure.”—Agencies
|
|
|
|
