July 7 (Reuters) – Captain Graeme Smith is confident South
Africa have got what it takes to replace England as the number
one team in the world test rankings.
Something has to give when England, who have not lost a home
series for four years, take on second-ranked South Africa in a
three-match encounter that starts later this month.
England’s last home defeat was against the Proteas who have
not lost on their travels since 2006.
“We hope getting to number one can be a reward for our
consistency,” Smith told reporters on Saturday.
“We have been near the top of the rankings for a long time
now and had a taste of it for a small while (in 2008).
“We are hoping now with everything we’ve done, and the way
we’ve prepared, and are going to prepare, that we will be ready
for the first test at The Oval (on July 19),” added Smith.
The South Africans, fresh from a few days of team bonding in
the Swiss Alps, are in upbeat mood.
“We have come here with a degree of quiet confidence,” said
Smith. “We have performed well away from home for a period of
time now.
“We have that strength within the squad and strength in
confidence to know we can perform well away from home.
Continued…
