'One loss certainly won't affect the way we think' - Smith
With the series tied at 1-1, Graeme Smith and Rahul Dravid were both upbeat about their teams' chances ahead of the third one-day international at Chennai
Cricinfo staff
21-Nov-2005
With the series tied at 1-1, Graeme Smith and Rahul Dravid were both upbeat about their teams' chances ahead of the third one-day international at Chennai.
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On the pitch and conditions for the game
It looks a good one, and lots of runs should be scored. We're used to this type of heat in South Africa but not the humidity. But the boys have had time to acclimatise.
It looks a good one, and lots of runs should be scored. We're used to this type of heat in South Africa but not the humidity. But the boys have had time to acclimatise.
On the rain ruining practice today
We had a good run yesterday and we're not too worried about that. We're ready to go out there and give our best.
We had a good run yesterday and we're not too worried about that. We're ready to go out there and give our best.
On re-jigging the batting order
We have a lot of options, and whichever team we pick should be able to bat all the way down to No.10. This is a small ground, and I see a lot of runs being scored. It could well be a runs v runs game. Our strategies had allowed us to stay unbeaten for 20 games before Bangalore. We've just had a tinker here and there, and one loss certainly won't affect the way we think.
We have a lot of options, and whichever team we pick should be able to bat all the way down to No.10. This is a small ground, and I see a lot of runs being scored. It could well be a runs v runs game. Our strategies had allowed us to stay unbeaten for 20 games before Bangalore. We've just had a tinker here and there, and one loss certainly won't affect the way we think.
On whether the end of the unbeaten run increases pressure to start another
Our goal when we arrived in India was to win the series. The unbeaten run was just a bonus. Nothing's changed ... we'll still be going all out to win the series.
Our goal when we arrived in India was to win the series. The unbeaten run was just a bonus. Nothing's changed ... we'll still be going all out to win the series.
On Charl Langeveldt's fitness
He's a lot better than he was in Bangalore, but because of the weather today, we couldn't assess his fitness. We'll make a decision tomorrow.
He's a lot better than he was in Bangalore, but because of the weather today, we couldn't assess his fitness. We'll make a decision tomorrow.
On whether he expected more slow pitches
When we came here, we expected the tracks to turn. But in Bangalore, it was very dry and turned a hell of a lot in the first innings. I'd say it was like a green seaming track in South Africa where you bowl a team out for 160 or 180. But we've learnt from that. If they don't get it right here, on a small ground, we have the batsmen who can send the ball a long way.
When we came here, we expected the tracks to turn. But in Bangalore, it was very dry and turned a hell of a lot in the first innings. I'd say it was like a green seaming track in South Africa where you bowl a team out for 160 or 180. But we've learnt from that. If they don't get it right here, on a small ground, we have the batsmen who can send the ball a long way.
On AB de Villiers's poor run of form
He had a terrific first year in international cricket, but is going through a rough patch like everyone does at some stage. He's working very hard in the nets. It's inevitable that someone or the other will be going through a run like that, and we just have to keep faith and help him through it. He's a good enough player to get through.
He had a terrific first year in international cricket, but is going through a rough patch like everyone does at some stage. He's working very hard in the nets. It's inevitable that someone or the other will be going through a run like that, and we just have to keep faith and help him through it. He's a good enough player to get through.
On Sachin Tendulkar
It's difficult to say anymore than has already been said about a player of that calibre. To have played so many games is just a massive achievement. He's been a world-class performer and a great team guy.
It's difficult to say anymore than has already been said about a player of that calibre. To have played so many games is just a massive achievement. He's been a world-class performer and a great team guy.
On Ashwell Prince
We'd be struggling to find someone who could fill the void left by Jonty [Rhodes]. Since the England series, Ashwell's done really well for us. He can control an innings, work the singles and push hard at the end. He's also very quick between wickets and a real asset for us in the field.
We'd be struggling to find someone who could fill the void left by Jonty [Rhodes]. Since the England series, Ashwell's done really well for us. He can control an innings, work the singles and push hard at the end. He's also very quick between wickets and a real asset for us in the field.
On whether he was perturbed by conditions playing such a big role in the series
The dew factor will play a very big role, and that makes the toss so important. You have to ask why we're playing day-night matches in such conditions. But we're good enough to handle it.
The dew factor will play a very big role, and that makes the toss so important. You have to ask why we're playing day-night matches in such conditions. But we're good enough to handle it.
On whether they would consider an allrounder - even Jacques Kallis - as Supersub
Well, I doubt we'd use Jacques as supersub. But we have several allround options. [Robin] Peterson could come into the reckoning, and we also have Albie Morkel and Andrew Hall.
Well, I doubt we'd use Jacques as supersub. But we have several allround options. [Robin] Peterson could come into the reckoning, and we also have Albie Morkel and Andrew Hall.
Rahul Dravid
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On team tactics for the game
Again, we won't decide anything until tomorrow. We've got some strategies planned. What happens with the weather is not in my hands. But if the sun comes out, we should get a good game. It looks a good track.
Again, we won't decide anything until tomorrow. We've got some strategies planned. What happens with the weather is not in my hands. But if the sun comes out, we should get a good game. It looks a good track.
On whether the rain had affected preparations
We're all professionals, and one day's lack of practice won't make a difference. We've been playing cricket for a long time, and are mentally prepared.
We're all professionals, and one day's lack of practice won't make a difference. We've been playing cricket for a long time, and are mentally prepared.
On what tactics might be in a rain-curtailed game
We'd be happy to have 50 overs, but if that's not the case, we'll have to think and decide accordingly.
We'd be happy to have 50 overs, but if that's not the case, we'll have to think and decide accordingly.
On Sachin Tendulkar becoming the most-capped player in the history of ODI cricket
He's a champion, both on and off the field. He deserves it because he's worked so hard.
He's a champion, both on and off the field. He deserves it because he's worked so hard.
On whether another slow-and-low turner could be expected
We can play in all conditions. We're prepared to play anywhere.
We can play in all conditions. We're prepared to play anywhere.
On whether there has been a momentum shift after Bangalore
I don't like thinking in such terms. The teams are level, and well-matched. I don't think results on a day will depend on past performances.
I don't like thinking in such terms. The teams are level, and well-matched. I don't think results on a day will depend on past performances.
On Harbhajan Singh
He's been a matchwinner for us, and has been doing a great job in the middle overs.
He's been a matchwinner for us, and has been doing a great job in the middle overs.