South African captain Graeme Smith will definitely play in the first Standard Bank limited-overs cricket match against Zimbabwe at the Wanderers on Friday.
Smith confirmed on Thursday that he is still having problems with his left ankle, which he injured when a taxi ran over his foot during the tour of India last year, but said he will be playing on Friday.
”It’s still pretty sore, but it’s not going to stop me playing. But one or two guys will be rested during the series. Polly [Shaun Pollock] has taken a lot of strain, and he won ‘t play tomorrow, but will probably play in Durban, and Jacques [Kallis] won’t play in the one-day series. He’s being given a rest,” said Smith.
”Nella [Andre Nel] arrived back from the final on Wednesday with a hamstring niggle, so we’ll have to see how he does.”
He said the coming series might be tougher than expected.
”You’re not sure about the bowler you’re going to be playing against. Normally, in international cricket, you know how [someone like] Steve Harmison’s going to bowl, and you work out game plans. But now you’re arriving out in the middle and you don’t know what you’re going to face.
”It’s an important series for us,” he continued. ”It might not be considered the most competitive series but it’s crucial that we play well and set high standards for ourselves and carry the momentum through.
”If we drop a level or two and go to the West Indies a level or two down, then we’re going to let ourselves in for trouble.”
Smith said he expects the Zimbabwe team to be very enthusiastic and go all out to do well.
”At the end of the day, it only takes one good ball and you’re out. But we want to perform well. We’re playing for our country and every day you play for your country is special.”
No decision has been taken yet on who will open the batting with Smith.
”We’ve got a few options, and it’s important that we stabilise that position. I think once we decide on someone, we should let him have a bit of a run. Adam Bacher, AB de Villiers and Jacques Rudolph are all in the frame.
”We need to find an opening batter who can do the job on a consistent basis, who knows how to handle the new ball in all conditions,” said Smith.
Bowling at the death will receive particular attention in the preparations for the one-day series.
”Games can be won or lost there, and we need to really work on that,” explained Smith.
”There’s always huge pressure there. We always aim at six runs an over in the last 10 overs, and if you can keep down to 60 runs in the last 10, that’s good going.
”Nella has done it well in the past, and [Andrew] Hall has a good reputation as a death bowler.
”Makhaya [Ntini] has got the pace to get it in there, and the pace certainly does help. We just need to become more consistent.”
The first match starts at 2.30pm on Friday. — Sapa
Squads:
South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Adam Bacher, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Justin Kemp, Albie Morkel, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Ashwell Prince, Shaun Pollock, Jacques Rudolph.
Zimbabwe: Tatenda Taibu (captain), Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikenyeri, Barney Rogers, Brendan Taylor, Elton Chiqumbura, Sean Williams, Alester Marregwede, Douglas Hondo, Tinashe Panyangara, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Prosper Utseya, Gavin Ewing.