Smith’s full focus on first Test |
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Sunday March 23, 01:13 AM
Chennai, March 22: South African captain Graeme Smith said his team would put aside selection controversies and concentrate on the task ahead. The exclusion of Andre Nel has caused quite a stir and Charl Langeveldt who was drafted in his place pulled out of the squad saying he did not want to be selected on the basis of his colour.
South Africa have improved their performance in the sub-continent of late. Success in Pakistan and Bangladesh add to their confidence. However India would be a different proposition at home and Smith concurred.
"India are a formidable side at home but we have the team to succeed in their conditions.
"We have two good spinners in left-armers Paul Harris and Robin Peterson and a battery of young fast bowlers who are capable of dismissing India twice in a game."
The South Africans have not had it easy in Indian conditions but they seem better equipped this time around. "Our top-order is strong. I am confident that they are capable of fulfilling the task," said Smith.
Paddy Upton who has taken over as India’s mental training expert has worked with many in the South African side recently and there were suggestions that he would give away information but Smith downplayed it saying Upton was a professional and he firmly believed that he would not disclose personal or sensitive details to the Indian side.
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