New Zealand in SA
Smith's ODI role pivotal for SA
2013-01-27 11:59
Graeme Smith (Gallo Images)
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Cape Town - Graeme Smith’s role in the Proteas’ ODI squad extends to more than his contributions with the bat and on
the field, with the former ODI captain also sharing his vast knowledge behind
the scenes.
Smith was the leading run-scorer of the three-match series against New Zealand with 189 runs, and says the series was a good
experience for the younger players to develop and grow in their roles,
especially looking ahead to the future.
“I would have loved them to do well, it
would have given them a lot of confidence,” Smith said of the younger players.
“I’ve been playing a bit of a mentoring role behind the scenes, talking to
them, talking cricket and situations, maybe the mistakes that they have made
and where they can learn from them.
VIDEO: Proteas v Black Caps 3rd ODI - Highlights
“I must be honest, the young guys were very
keen to learn; they approached me all the time looking for information so that really
made my life easier. I have a good relationship with them, a lot of the guys
I’ve seen for a few years now, they have come in and out, it was nice to see
them getting opportunities.”
Lonwabo Tsotsobe was the joint-leading
wicket taker of the series alongside Ryan McLaren with eight wickets, but had
the better average of the two. Colin Ingram also made good use of his
opportunity, finishing with 133 runs, slotting in at the important No 3 role.
Smith, who captained the ODI squad from
2003 to 2011, says it was a disappointment to lose the series against the
ninth-ranked Kiwis, especially after the Proteas squandered match-winning
positions in the first two ODI’s in Paarl and Kimberley.
“The disappointing thing for me was that we
should have won both the first two games and we didn’t,” Smith said. “As a team
we need to take responsibility for that and improve, tonight (Friday) was a
nice opportunity for us to get over the line.”
The last-ball win in Potchefstroom on
Friday night will give the ODI squad vital momentum heading into the five-match
series against Pakistan in March, which will see the return of AB de Villiers
as captain, the injured Hashim Amla, Robin Peterson and the rested Morne
Morkel.
“We needed this win to lift the confidence
and to change the momentum for us as a squad,” he added. “We have an important
series coming up against Pakistan and after that it’s the ICC Champions Trophy.
The next few matches are very important for us as a squad, and winning this
match will go a long way.”
Smith is approaching a significant
milestone, and is set to become the first player in the history of the game to
captain a side in 100 Test matches when he leads the Proteas in the first
Test against Pakistan on Friday.