Cricket
SA hope for Smith recovery
2009-06-29 22:15
Email | Print
Eduan RoosJohannesburg – Coach Mickey Arthur believes a fit Graeme Smith is the magic potion that South Africa need ahead of the Champions Trophy in September.
The Proteas captain had surgery on Monday in Cape Town after struggling over the past six months with chronic tendonitis in his right elbow. Smith was operated on by Dr Michael Solomon after a recent scan in London showed that the treatments over the past 18 months were unsuccessful.
Smith received several cortisone injections as well as experimental blood treatment in an attempt to escape going under the knife.
But Proteas team doctor, Mohammad Moosajee, said it will only be known on Tuesday for just how long Smith will be out of action.
Arthur said the team was already looking forward to the opportunity to take revenge for their recent defeat in the World Twenty20 in England.
He admitted that the team are struggling to recover from their disappointment after their recent defeat.
"We still haven't really coped with the shock. We were without a doubt, the best-balanced team in the championship and to lose once and then have to pack your bags, doesn't feel right," said Arthur.
The Proteas, who were unstoppable in the knockout phase, succumbed to Pakistan by seven runs in the semi-final. Pakistan went on to beat Sri Lanka in the final.
"Luck is simply not on our side in those kinds of do or die matches."
"I would have preferred if the team stumbled in the Super8 round against New Zealand to get our only defeat out of the way."
But Arthur is confident that his team will rise to the occasion in the Champions Trophy. The eight highest-ranked ODI teams, as placed 6 months out from the tournament, will contest this competition that takes place every two years.
"Hopefully we will then get rid of the habit (to lose in the knockout round)."
Authur said the team will keep their fingers crossed in the hope that Smith recovers in time to lead South Africa for the championship.
"I believe he will be ready for the championship seeing that we now have a quiet few months," said Arthur.
"We will watch him closely and see that he gets enough rest."
Meanwhile, Wayne Parnell will return to English county Kent for another season. The 19-year-old left-handed fast bowler was one of the Proteas' star players in the T20 World Championships.
According to Arthur, Parnell has already rejoined the English team and will return to South Africa early in August.