QUOTE
Johannesburg - South African captain Graeme Smith made plain his disappointment after India won the first test in Johannesburg on Monday.
India won by 123 runs shortly before lunch on the fourth day to register their first test victory in South Africa.
The visitors took the upper hand when they dismissed South Africa for 84 in the first innings after India had totalled 249.
"To get bowled out for what he did was not good enough," Smith told a news conference.
"In fact, they were more precise than us in the whole test match.
"The way we have performed has been disappointing for all of us. That's what hurts the most, we let ourselves down."
Smith hoped for improvement in the second test, which starts in Durban on December 26.
"Going into Durban we can improve a hell of a lot and the guys know what is required - we've got to pull ourselves up," Smith said.
"We need more application and grafting in the next test and we need to grind harder.
"We're honest enough to say we've really messed up this one and that we've got to fight back in Durban."
Smith praised exuberant Indian fast bowler Shanta Sreesanth, who took eight wickets in the match, including a maiden five-wicket haul of five for 40 in the first innings.
"He hit the best areas in the game and he swung the ball from a straight line which is very difficult to play," Smith said.
"He has a lot of energy and he deserves his success."
India won by 123 runs shortly before lunch on the fourth day to register their first test victory in South Africa.
The visitors took the upper hand when they dismissed South Africa for 84 in the first innings after India had totalled 249.
"To get bowled out for what he did was not good enough," Smith told a news conference.
"In fact, they were more precise than us in the whole test match.
"The way we have performed has been disappointing for all of us. That's what hurts the most, we let ourselves down."
Smith hoped for improvement in the second test, which starts in Durban on December 26.
"Going into Durban we can improve a hell of a lot and the guys know what is required - we've got to pull ourselves up," Smith said.
"We need more application and grafting in the next test and we need to grind harder.
"We're honest enough to say we've really messed up this one and that we've got to fight back in Durban."
Smith praised exuberant Indian fast bowler Shanta Sreesanth, who took eight wickets in the match, including a maiden five-wicket haul of five for 40 in the first innings.
"He hit the best areas in the game and he swung the ball from a straight line which is very difficult to play," Smith said.
"He has a lot of energy and he deserves his success."
Why do our cricket teams always have to improve AFTER a ass whipping? Graeme Smith's batting weakness will still be there in the next test and he will still fall over the ball and be susceptible to LBW. It is also my opinion that Shaun Pollock creates a lot of pressure through his accuracy, but he is no strike bowler. Makhaya Ntini is our only real strike bowler. It will be interesting to see who they pick in place of Dale Steyn (if his injury is that bad). I will pick Mornantau Hayward or even Garnett Kruger or perhaps Morne Morkel (from the Titans). I will also include Johan Botha, since he is more than capable with the bat. My rather wishful test side for the Durban test (batting order):
1. Graeme Smith
2. AB De Villiers
3. Jacques Kallis
4. JP Duminy
5. Ashwell Prince
6. Mark Boucher
7. Johan Botha
8. Shaun Pollock
9. Morne Morkel
10. Makhaya Ntini
11. Andre Nel
Some suggestions?
