Sri Lanka virtually take on a new look SA today; Smith, De Villiers have run half marathon while others have shed kilos in preparation for the Champions Trophy.
South African skipper Graeme Smith and his boys have had an over two-month long winter break but any signs of rustiness were quickly banished as they got past a second-string West Indian side with ease last week.
“We are excited, we have prepared well, we are the best prepared we can be going into this tournament. Hopefully tomorrow we can put it all into play in the middle. That is our challenge,” Smith said ahead of the Champions Trophy opener against Sri Lanka.
The world’s No.1 team has been putting in a lot of work over the past two months and Smith would be keen to do away with the chokers tag once and for all. They are without a major trophy in their cabinet and during the last big event at home, the inaugural edition of the World T20, they were knocked out by India.
Some of them have shed kilos while the others have been indulging in other sports to stay fit. Among those who participated in a half-marathon are Smith, Mark Boucher and AB De Villiers. The three participated in the 21km run in South Coast to stay primed for Champions League during their winter break.
If Jacques Kallis is looking much leaner then it has something to do with the 8 kgs he lost in the run-up to the Champions Trophy. Coach Mickey Arthur too is giving his wards a run for their money having shed an amazing 10kg.
The team trainer has been around the country giving out training schedules to the players and also ensuring they don’t slack in their work ethic during the off-season. Of the squad Wayne Parnell, Herschelle Gibbs (injured) and Hashim Amla have been playing County cricket.
Smith is confident that being No.1 in both forms of the game will not add to the pressure but will give the players added confidence heading into this $4million prize money tournament that is meant to invigorate the one-day game.
Former South African coach Ray Jennings believes that this team looks hungry for success. “Traditionally the team has always worked as a unit rather than depended on individual brilliance, but there are individuals who can turn match-winners in this present side. This time there seems to be a belief in the squad that they can go all the way and that they are ranked the best in the world should make them hungrier for success,” Jennings told DNA on the eve of the opener.
Daryll Cullinan, a former South African batsman, believes that the side under Smith can handle the pressure of expectations. “Hopefully, they will be able to go all the way this time,” Cullinan said. The conditions, however, is supposed to be more sub-continental at this time of the year.
“The pitches at this time of the year are going to be dry and there could take a fair bit of turn. It’ll be interesting to see how we do at home this time. South Africa has been at the top of the world for a while now and have done extremely well at home and away. Winning the Champions Trophy will be a perfect build-up to the World Cup.”
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