South African cricket coach Mickey Arthur believes out-of-form captain Graeme Smith is ready to show his true form in the upcoming limited-overs series with Australia and Sri Lanka.
Smith failed to deliver during South Africa’s three-Test series loss to Australia, scoring just 155 at an average of 25,83 as his team went down 2-0.
And during the inaugural Twenty20 international against Australia and a game against the Queensland state team this week he made just 22 and six respectively.
But Arthur believes a big innings is just around the corner for his no-nonsense skipper, with South Africa’s opening clash against Australia at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Speaking on Thursday as his team relaxed on the Gold Coast just south of Brisbane, Arthur said Smith had shown potential for big scores without following through.
”Every Test innings he played he got a start and he looked the part before getting out. That’s what can happen,” Arthur said.
”I’ve looked at his technique and been through it and there’s no problem.
”He’s been getting through the new ball every time, which means his technique is sound. He just needs a big score and time in the middle.”
Arthur rejected suggestions the burden of the captaincy during an intense Test series had weighed heavily on 24-year-old Smith.
”He’s a strong man and he handles it,” he said. ”I’ve got a lot of respect for him and so does the team.
”He’s confident and he backs it up. He’s a little distressed he didn’t back it up with his own performances but he’s strong and won’t budge.
”I’m sure those performances are just around the corner.”
Smith said it had been frustrating getting a start and seeing out the new ball only to be dismissed fairly cheaply.
But he was confident he could regain the same touch which saw him score 209 runs from four matches, including an unbeaten 134, during a one-day series against India in November.
Smith hasn’t been afraid to tackle the Australians head-on, trading verbal barbs with several players, in particular Shane Warne, during a heated Test series.
The pair shared a beer after the third Test in Sydney.
”I don’t think there’s a hatchet to bury,” Smith said. ”We had a beer after the game but once we get back onto that cricket field then it’s all heated again.
”There’s no animosity, there’s no hatred. It doesn’t get taken any further than it needs to on the cricket field.”
Smith will get the chance to show his form when South Africa play a team from the Queensland Academy of Sport in Brisbane on Friday. – AFP
