Smith ‘nervous’ ahead of Proteas tour

FORMER Proteas captain Graeme Smith admitted to being a tad nervous for the players ahead of their tour of India later this month.

South Africa will spend 72 days and play three T20s, five ODIs and four tests during their longest ever tour to India. The first test begins in Mohali on November 5.

“I’m a little bit nervous,” Smith said.

“It’s a tough tour . . . and this is a big season for South African cricket, with the Indian tour and the England tour lat- er this year. This could be the defining period for this team.

“Four test matches in India are not going to be easy, especially because it involves a lot of travelling, a lot of people [watching] and the conditions are going to [favour] spin.

“I’m holding thumbs that everything will go well. If we have a good Indian tour, I think we’ll then do very well against the English.”

Smith led South Africa to two series draws against India, in 2008 and 2010, away from home during his time as skipper. In 2004, during the early Smith days, the Proteas lost a two-test series in India 1-0.

He said the Proteas, who have not lost a test series away since 2006, had no option but to defend the world No 1 mace. The test squad to be announced today is likely to include part of the backbone of the Proteas lineup – JP Duminy, Morne Morkel and Faf du Plessis – who did not feature in the ODI and T20 series against New Zealand last month.

“We have to hold onto our No 1 ranking,” Smith said.

“Our record of not losing a test series away from home since 2006 and what the test team has been able to create has been incredible.

“Hopefully these guys, who are the current stakeholders, will keep going and keep doing us proud.

“The return of the new fathers and Faf from injury will strengthen our cause. Those are key, experienced players in our lineup, so having them back will be important.”

Smith, who knows all about the pressures of being a young left-handed opening batsman, also discussed youngster Quinton de Kock’s resurgence.

The wicketkeeper was dropped and sent with the SA ‘A’ side that toured India to hone his craft.

There, the 22-year-old returned to form by scoring three centuries in consecutive innings against India ‘A’.

“I think they’ll pick De Kock again but they probably have to run with Dane Vilas again for a bit in the test side – you can’t just give him one test match,” Smith said.

“I’m sure Quinny will get a go in the short format.”