Graeme Smith says South Africa’s aim this season would be to dethrone Men in Blue from top.
South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith said on Sunday the priority this season is to challenge India for first position in the world rankings. The Proteas, who are expected to confirm on Monday that former India World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten will take charge of the Test, one-day and Twenty20 squads, host Australia and Sri Lanka this year.
Speaking in South Africa for the first time since his team suffered a shock World Cup quarterfinals loss to New Zealand, Smith said overtaking India must be the major goal of the Test side. “I remain extremely positive about the Proteas as we set about challenging India for their number one Test ranking,” he said.
“Our top order did not bat as well as expected (at the World Cup) and it is something - myself included - that we need to work hard to address as we prepare for tough series against Australia and Sri Lanka.
“As soon as the new national coach is named I will work out a programme with him to get my game back to the level I expect of myself. The commitment and pride I feel for representing South Africa is still very close to my heart.”
Smith confessed that his form at the World Cup and IPL 4 was ordinary, and hard work over the coming months was the solution.
The southpaw also apologised to Proteas supporters for not returning from India with the team after the World Cup exit, saying he should have explained his reasons earlier. “I apologise and make no excuses, but ask South African fans to understand that I was feeling incredibly emotional and prior to the World Cup had asked permission to attend a personal matter in Ireland.
Meanwhile Smith in all likelihood will resign as Test captain with Cricket South Africa (CSA) expected to name AB de Villiers as the new captain. The appointment of Kirsten, along with Allan Donald and Russell Domingo as assistants, is expected to be confirmed on Monday afternoon.
Donald rejected an offer to become New Zealand’s bowling coach on Sunday to pursue a job in his homeland. The former South African fast bowler worked as the Black Caps’ bowling coach for three months earlier this year and New Zealand administrators had hoped to sign him on permanently.
“We did everything possible to retain Allan but it is understandable that a role in South Africa would be attractive to both him and his family,” NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said.
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