Publications
Partners
Brisbane - Proteas captain Graeme Smith expects his highly ranked bowling attack to raise their performances in the second Test after an indifferent performance in the drawn first Test against Australia at the Gabba.
The bowlers only managed to take five Australian wickets and were troubled by indiscipline, despite creating opportunities and beating the bat a number of times.
“There is enough time to reflect, and to get one or two things right for Adelaide,” Smith said. “I felt that we were ahead of the game going into day four having them at 42 for three; we just never backed up quite well enough with the ball.
VIDEO: Australia v South Africa, first Test highlights
“Michael (Clarke) and Ed (Cowan) played really well and took the game to us and we didn’t quite respond in the way that I’m used to our guys responding. I think there are a few areas to improve. All in all I think for me a draw is probably an even reflection of the way the surface played for both teams.”
The bulk of the batsmen will take confidence from their performances in ideal conditions, more so Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla who both scored centuries. The bowlers started their attack of the Australian line-up with intensity and intent, but failed to consistently apply pressure on a good batting wicket.
“I don’t think the surface lived up to the hype of the build-up, there were a lot of good hundreds scored during the game and a lot of players batted really well. I know we can raise our level a lot after what we showed in this game and I’m looking forward to that.”
Smith and Gary Kirsten opted for an all-seam attack for this match and, in spite of having to rely on his own contribution and other part-time spinners because of JP Duminy’s injury, he was satisfied with the selections. The Adelaide Oval is said to be slower and is expected to offer some assistance to the spinners, a selection-poser the brains-trust will consider ahead of the match.
The squad will have four days off, before travelling to Adelaide where they will begin their preparations for the second Test match starting at the Adelaide Oval on November 22.
The bowlers only managed to take five Australian wickets and were troubled by indiscipline, despite creating opportunities and beating the bat a number of times.
“There is enough time to reflect, and to get one or two things right for Adelaide,” Smith said. “I felt that we were ahead of the game going into day four having them at 42 for three; we just never backed up quite well enough with the ball.
VIDEO: Australia v South Africa, first Test highlights
“Michael (Clarke) and Ed (Cowan) played really well and took the game to us and we didn’t quite respond in the way that I’m used to our guys responding. I think there are a few areas to improve. All in all I think for me a draw is probably an even reflection of the way the surface played for both teams.”
The bulk of the batsmen will take confidence from their performances in ideal conditions, more so Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla who both scored centuries. The bowlers started their attack of the Australian line-up with intensity and intent, but failed to consistently apply pressure on a good batting wicket.
“I don’t think the surface lived up to the hype of the build-up, there were a lot of good hundreds scored during the game and a lot of players batted really well. I know we can raise our level a lot after what we showed in this game and I’m looking forward to that.”
Smith and Gary Kirsten opted for an all-seam attack for this match and, in spite of having to rely on his own contribution and other part-time spinners because of JP Duminy’s injury, he was satisfied with the selections. The Adelaide Oval is said to be slower and is expected to offer some assistance to the spinners, a selection-poser the brains-trust will consider ahead of the match.
The squad will have four days off, before travelling to Adelaide where they will begin their preparations for the second Test match starting at the Adelaide Oval on November 22.
