By Jason Humphries
DURBAN Dec 23 (Reuters) – South Africa have to become
more ruthless in their approach as they seek to secure a
series-winning victory in the second test against Sri Lanka,
captain Graeme Smith said on Friday.
South Africa have not won a home series since beating
Bangladesh in 2008. They have lost and drawn two series against
Australia and drawn series against England and India.
The hosts are coming off a comprehensive innings and 81-run
win over Sri Lanka in the first test in Centurion and have the
chance to win the three-test series when the second test starts
at Kingsmead in Durban on Dec. 26.
“We are in the process of improving certain facets of our
game. Being more ruthless, being able to string three sessions
together in a day is something that we are really trying to do.
We haven’t been able to do that consistently and that is where
we have been costing ourselves so we want to improve on that,”
Smith told a news conference.
South Africa’s skipper went on to say that it was important
that his team did not lose their focus during the Christmas
break.
“The preparation is going to be important. Making the most
of our time at this time of year is crucial. During Christmas it
is important that you maintain your focus. Our preparation is a
key factor to that,” he explained.
South Africa have had a mixed start to their home
international season this year drawing a two-test series against
Australia before the heavy win over Sri Lanka.
Smith said that he felt that his team had shown improvement,
partly down to the fact that the same XI had taken to the field
in three consecutive tests.
Continued…
