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Prepared for the challenge: Smith

Nandita Sridhar

Concerns over Upton’s role as India’s mental conditioning coach

— Photo: R. Ragu

CONFIDENT: South African captain Graeme Smith (right) and coach Mickey Arthur addressing a press conference in Chennai on Saturday.

Chennai: The South African cricket captain Graeme Smith, addressing newspersons here on Saturday, said that he was confident that his side was equipped to face the in-form Indians in the first Test here from March 26.

“We have the bowling attack to do well in these conditions. Paul Harris did very well in Pakistan and our pace bowlers have worked out how to get wickets in the subcontinent. We have the bowlers who can find a way to get 20 wickets.

“You expect pitches to aid spin in the subcontinent. If spinners don’t get wickets here, they’re not good enough. We believe in our spinners, but it will be a challenge which we’re prepared for. We’re a much better side than the one that visited last time. The Indian batsmen are no doubt experienced, with a lot of runs among them; but we’re working on a few methods to attack them.”

Good starts

The skipper stressed on the importance of good starts. “We’re playing spin a lot better now and the challenge will be for the top order to get runs and put pressure on the opposition and consolidate. Our top six is very capable.”

On playing the first Test with no tour match, he said, “we’ve been playing a lot of cricket in the subcontinent lately. It should be an exciting series since both sides are confident.”

The squad was hit by controversy after a contentious selection policy resulted in Andre Nel’s removal and Charl Langeveldt’s decision to pull out of the side. “What happened was very disappointing. We feel for both and have spoken to Nel and Langeveldt about it. We’ve put that behind us now. We’re a proud cricketing nation and are mature enough to deal with the situation. The team has been looking forward to this series for a long time. This will be the first of the three big tours ahead of us.”

The South Africans tour England and Australia after this series.

Earlier, coach Mickey Arthur had expressed concern over Paddy Upton’s role as India’s mental conditioning coach since he possessed detailed knowledge on the mental makeup of key South African players. “My concerns were more with Paddy’s role than Gary’s (Kirsten). I’ve spoken to him about it and he understands that it’s like a doctor-patient relationship which requires confidentiality. We trust Paddy.”

Clean contest

Following the acrimonious India-Australia series down under, Smith promised a clean contest. “We’re a mature side and can handle ourselves well. Anil (Kumble) and I are capable of taking our teams in that direction. Both teams are competitive and want to win, but will play in the right spirit. No one remembers if you win sledging games. We’re here to win cricket games.”

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