Captain Graeme Smith insists South Africa are fully prepared for the first Investec Test against England, which gets under way at The Kia Oval on Thursday.
South Africa have competed in just two tour matches both of which were hampered by the rain and the former was marred by the career-ending eye injury that Mark Boucher suffered at Taunton. That has led to suggestions the Proteas will be at a distinct disadvantage as the top two ranked Test teams prepare to face each other, but Smith thinks otherwise.
"I know it's a big topic of discussion at the moment but there's a real feeling of contentment and character in the squad," Smith told Sky Sports News.
"We've certainly had more preparation than we've had on most of our tours and we're at the point where we want to be now. All of us are excited about the prospect of starting the series."
Smith is confident that AB de Villiers can excel in the wicketkeeper role vacated by Boucher.
De Villiers is one of the most feared batsman in world cricket and there has been some suggestions taking on the wicketkeeping responsibilities - as he is expected to do - will hinder his primary duty. But Smith pointed out that De Villiers has done a fine job behind the stumps for both the one-day international and Twenty20 sides.
"He's been exposed to it before in international cricket," Smith said.
"He deals with the things pretty well that come his way. He's obviously a very talented cricketer and we hope it'll bring the best out of him."
Smith unsurprisingly revealed Kevin Pietersen's high-profile limited overs retirement has not played a part in the discussions.
"It's something that we're very removed from," the left-hander, who is set to earn his 100th Test cap, added. "It's not an issue in our team and it's not something that plays a role in the discussion either. The Kevin Pietersen discussion in our team has been purely on tactics, how we're going to play against him as we have done with every other player in the England line-up."
No comments:
Post a Comment