Quotes - New Zealand v South Africa (11 June 1999)

11 June 1999

Quotes - New Zealand v South Africa

CricInfo365

Heard at today's post-match presentations and press conferences.

South African captain Hansie Cronje:

On the overall performance: "very happy today, (the) guys put it together, (and we) got off to a good start thanks to Gibbs and Kirsten".

On the decision to bat after winning the toss: "(it was a) good wicket, and we tried to put some pressure on them as they don't have a bowling attack that really does anything".

On the pitch itself: It "kept low towards the end, (but it was a) very good one-day wicket".

On making the semi-finals: "We're very relieved (to do so) after the outcome of the 1996 World Cup (and we're) very glad that LK had a failure now - at a stage when he wasn't needed. The side still hasn't clicked, and Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Daryll Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes and I still haven't come off but we'll rise to the big occasion".

On the upcoming match against Australia and how they will be treating what is now a far less important match for South Africa than for their opponents: "We'll have to sit back and have a look at that one. We've got injuries to Jacques Kallis (stomach muscle twinge), Herschelle Gibbs has a hamstring problem, and one of the bowlers (he did not elaborate as to which of them) is not feeling too well".

Man-of-the-match Jacques Kallis:

On his batting: "I was glad to get runs again. The platform that was laid for me (by our openers) allowed me to play any shots that I wanted".

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming:

On the team's loss: "we were never in the hunt, didn't play very well, and caught the brunt of it in the batting performance. South Africa bowled well".

On the must-win clash against India on Saturday "yes, (to win is a) big ask, (and) we've got to get the batting going (in order) to challenge. It's very easy to get up for a one-off to win".

On the quality (or lack thereof) of the effort: "Geoff Allott did well today and continued his form. It was a tough day at the office otherwise, (and I) can't single out anyone else who did their job. Their opening partnership broke up the inner ring and made it very difficult for us to contain the runs. Once the platform was set, it was very easy for the other guys in their side to play their shots".

Source :: CricInfo365