Cricket
SA are the best - Vettori
2009-09-14 22:18
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Eduan RoosJohannesburg – New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has tagged the Proteas the overwhelming favourites to win the Champions Trophy on home soil.
South Africa have not won a major tournament of the International Cricket Council (ICC) since 1998.
“There is no doubt that everybody will be focusing on the South Africans as they are the best side in the world,” Vettori told Sport24 from Colombo, Sri Lanka.
“They are playing brilliantly at the moment, have no obvious weaknesses in their squad and will be familiar with the conditions. It will all count in their favour.”
South Africa have just replaced Australia as the top side on the ICC’s test and one-day rankings. However, Vettori warned that the Aussies will be out to prove a point.
“The Aussies’ performance in the one-day series against England was an obvious warning to the rest of us. If they win the series 7-0 or even 6-1, they will head to South Africa with heaps of confidence,” said Vettori.
The Aussies already wrapped up the series after four consecutive victories over England.
“Australia will always be strong, particularly after their bowlers started firing on all cylinders again,” added Vettori.
The Proteas have not played an international in three months, but Vettori does not believe they’ll be under-prepared.
“The international programme is so full these days, that you should take any rest that comes your way. South Africa have not played international cricket for some time, but the way I know them, they will make sure they are not undercooked,” he said.
South Africa gather for another training camp in Potchefstroom this week before a practice game against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park next Tuesday.
“A few weeks’ rest is often worth a lot more than keeping on playing and I believe it will be in the Proteas’ favour rather than count against them,” said Vettori