Graeme Smith on the T20 format & his team mates
I’m sure the guys are already sick and tired of me using the word ‘intensity’ at every team meeting we’ve had since the pre tournament camp in Durban, throughout the warm-up week and every day since our first match.
T20 cricket is a sprint, there is no time to ‘ease’ yourself into the contest. So I was understandably thrilled with the speed and intensity with which we started the match against England at Trent Bridge on Thursday.
Dale took a wicket in the first over, Parnie chipped in with another one in the second over and we never looked back. If we had ever taken our foot off the accelerator we might have let them back in the game – that’s the nature of this format – but we were ruthless and made absolutely certain of the win.
There is a fantastic mixture of characters in the squad, both from a cricketing and social perspective. Sports people always talk about the value and importance of experience, and that’s absolutely true, but there’s also a heck of a lot to be said for the input of the younger, less experienced players
The enthusiasm of guys like Roelof, Yusuf and Parnie is fantastic to see. They believe in themselves, they believe in the impossible. They are fearless and full of energy – there’s nothing better to keep reminding those of us who’ve been around for a few years how lucky we are to be doing this for a living.
Roelof and Morne are natural pranksters with a natural ability to come up with a funny comment at just the right time (mostly!) but they still have a way to go before they start challenging Herschelle as the comedian of the squad.
Everybody knows that it can take just one, brilliant performance to change the course of a T20 game and even win it – we’ve seen a couple of examples of that in this tournament already. Chris Gayle knocked Australia out and then Sanath Jayasuriya returned the compliment against the West Indies in the first round of Super Eight matches.
India and the West Indies have plenty of world class match-winners in their squad (contrary to popular belief, Chris Gayle is not a one-man team) so there’s plenty of work still to be done.
My point is simple: if one of the world’s great cricketers is having a good day against you, then often there won’t be much you can do about it. We simply have to back our own world class cricketers to produce something similar…or better.
But bowlers have also been making their mark – if not getting the headlines they deserve. A batsman scoring 60 off 30 balls grabs everybody’s attention. A bowler taking 2-18 doesn’t excite the fans or media, but very often the second achievement is much harder to accomplish.
The Super Eight teams need to win two out of three matches to be sure of progressing to the semi finals. But we are not looking beyond the West Indies game at The Oval this afternoon.
Wow, good match today
Hey graeme!!! I am like 1 of your biggest fans!!! I just watched SA beat West Indies!! Wow, what a sight, it was great to watch south africa finish them up!!! So.. Wayne parnel, do you think that he is a better bowler then Dale stein!! And tell scooter that he plays great cricket and that he is my hero!!!
P.S Kallis should open with scooter and then you should come in number 3!!! Just saying!!
Well i am a huge fan, play well
Thanks Darren Fine (a person that will go all the way for his country SA)
Sa is the BEST
Awesome game today against
Awesome game today against West Indies boyz....congrats on the win and the record of 6 straight wins.
cricket.
graeme smith we love you .you just 1 of my very very best player.hope ur'l make it to quarter finals or semi finals and also the finals.
Hi. How are u? I want to
Hi. How are u? I want to congratulate u and your team on a outstanding victory today against the West Indies. You guys played superbly not only today but through out the T20. It has been a real pleasure to watch u and your perform so well. Take care.
Nice win
Its always good to watch a good win but I do miss Albie Morkel bowling his 4 overs and as the opening bowler, in the Ipl games he took a wicket in the 1st over often with very little runs taken, it was exciting as everyone commented on that fact and looked forward to watching and seeing if it happened again.
Hi Graeme. I would like to
Hi Graeme. I would like to congratulate you and your team mates on an outstanding victory yesterday against the West Indies. You guys played really magnificently yesterday and through out the T20, and that led to an superb victory. Anyways best of best of luck for the rest of the T20. Take care. Aaishah.
The Team
I know we are winning, but we not incomplete control. We got to get Gibbs or AB at the top of the order to use the restrictions well, because Smith & Kallis arent capable of hitting over the top. AB is the best and most exciting player in this format, so why are we giving him 6 or seven overs to play? We must get someone at the top because in this we are gonna get Sri Lanka who is the form team with bat and ball. AB can play spin up and along the ground. Get AB at the top, but Greame, you are still my role module. Thanx and Goodluck
Captain My Captain- Graeme Smith
Hi "Biff"...I am so proud of you and how you lead the team. In my opinion you are one of SA's best Cricket captains.
Reflecting on where it all started for you, today you command respect. As a batsman you always produce the goods, never stepping back in the heat of battle.
Can't wait to see you score a BIG ONE in this T20 competition.....
Salute to...Captain Smith!
Cheers
albie morkel
i think that albe is good luck and dont ever drop him.you occasionally play well
Graeme Smith
Graeme Smith I would like if you can help me i have a special child, he is my live and everything. He goes to a special school, for special kids. He is 11 years old normal but can't read and wright. but when it comes to cricket he is a top player. Is it may be possible if you can send me something with you name on, I will even pay you. All my boy does is play cricket 24\7 that is all that keep his head up. Please help me.
Thank you
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