Date:19/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031961042600.htm

Sport - Cricket

‘S. Africa will thump India’

Durban: With the World’s top ODI batsman Graeme Smith leading them, the South Africans are all set to “thump” India in the upcoming three-match Test cricket series, says Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief Gerald Majola.

Lauding the in-form Smith for guiding the team to the top of the ICC ODI rankings, Majola said the South Africans will be a tough proposition for the home side.

“CSA salutes Graeme on the remarkable achievements at such a young age. Graeme’s leadership qualities have really come to the fore, and CSA is confident that he will take South Africa to the No. 1 spot in Tests as well,” Majola said in a statement.

“India beware in the coming three-match Test series which starts in Chennai next week. Graeme Smith and his boys are going to thump Anil Kumble and his charges,” he added.

The 27-year-old Smith became the top ODI batsman displacing Sachin Tendulkar after a fine run of form in the series against Bangladesh. The CSA chief lavished praise on the left-hander for his remarkable form with the bat.

“At the age of 27, Graeme has set several landmarks which put him among the best young captain-batsman yet produced in World cricket,” he said.

“South Africa, under Graeme’s leadership, have finished the international season as the No. 1 ODI team in World cricket and are looking to take the second spot in the Test ratings,” he added.

Smith is the only South African with four Test double hundreds. — PTI