OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Tuesday 4.00pm
FAST bowler Allan Donald said on Tuesday that South Africa’s series victory in India was the side’s most important achievement since their re-admittance to international cricket nine years ago.
”We respect every win we’ve achieved so far, but I don’t think they come better than this,” he said after arriving back in Johannesburg with four other players not staying on for the one-day series.
”The guys enjoyed the win, but there was almost a feeling of ‘Oh, the series is over’,” Donald said after Monday’s innings and 71-run victory in Bangalore that sealed India’s first home series defeat for 13 years.
”I don’t think the guys have actually realised what’s happened. I mean, (Australian) Allan Border’s side couldn’t do it; there are a lot of guys who haven’t been able to achieve what we did, and all credit to the coaching staff, (captain) Hansie (Cronje) and everyone who planned this victory quite cleverly.
”It’s nice to be part of history, that’s for sure.”
Batsman Daryll Cullinan said he thought the series win might change perceptions of South Africa who are now ranked a close second to Australia in Wisden’s unofficial test rankings.
”For us to have played the way we did, I think has answered a lot of questions when it comes to our ability as a side.
”With those (away) series wins against Pakistan (1997) and Sri Lanka (1993) in the past, I think people may have to reconsider one or two opinions about our ability.” — Reuters