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Our new ball bowlers could be on song: Smith
DUBAI - After scoring a century for South Africa and leading his team to a good score in the first Test against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket stadium on Friday, captain Graeme Smith said his new ball bowlers would produce a result in his team’s favour.
“If you can strike with the new ball, it will give you some impetus. There seems to be definitely something for the new ball. There was (assistance for pacers) this morning. I think with the moisture on the ground, in the morning in particular, it makes a difference. In morning sessions, new ball could be interesting. In our batting perspective, tomorrow morning is obviously important. Hopefully our new ball bowlers could be on song.”
Smith, who had broken the record for maximum runs and centuries as a captain, said: “I am extremely proud that I could achieve it especially after being given the captaincy at a very young age.
“It is really great to have my name alongside some of greats like (Alan) Border, Steve Waugh, (Ricky) Ponting and (Clive) Lloyd.
Smith has scored 6664 runs from 79 Tests to break Border’s record of 6623 runs from 93 Tests. He also crossed Ricky Ponting’s record for centuries as a captain.
Asked about the wicket, he said: “It is a touch slow. As the ball gets softer, it is difficult to score freely. What we did well throughout today was taking a lot of singles. I think we rotated the strike well. So we managed to maintain a good rate. For the spinners, there was a little bit there for a day one wicket. “
He said two good partnerships on Saturday would boost his team’s position in the Test.
“It would be great if we get one or two good partnerships tomorrow. I don’t want to look too far ahead. We executed our game plans well today. We played with good intensity. If we can get through the new ball tomorrow, that will build a lot of pressure on Pakistan,” said.
The South African skipper was also surprised that Pakistan included only four main bowlers for the match.
“If they had won the toss, it would have been easier for them to manage. Two seamers and two spinners are hard work for the captain throughout the day, especially if Wahab Riaz is injured. It did surprise me that they didn’t go with an extra bowler. “
He said the opening partnership with Alviro Petersen made the difference on day one. “The partnership with Petersen was crucial. Umar Gul particularly bowled well in the morning. We had to fight through that. There was definitely something in it for the pacers, even the second new ball.”
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