September 30, 2007	Sunday	Ramazan 17, 1428

KARACHI, Sept 29: South Africa skipper Graeme Smith does not think the popularity of Test and one-day cricket will be affected by the Twenty20 version of the game.

Many former Test players have expressed concern that an increase in Twenty20 international matches could lead to a drop in the popularity of Test and one-day cricket.

But Smith said that despite the success of the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa, the other versions would continue to flourish.

“I think Test and one-day cricket are pretty strong at this time,” he told reporters.

“The Twenty20 World Championship was hosted superbly and it was a great opportunity for our country to host another event before 2010. The turnout was great and people loved it. But I don’t think it is going to affect Test cricket.”

Smith said South Africa were looking forward to the Test matches in Pakistan and that they had recovered from the disappointment of losing to India at the Twenty20 World Championship.

“We have got over it emotionally and we now want to be successful in Tests and one-dayers. Our mindsets have shifted to Pakistan now,” he said.—Reuters