Smith super confident of the Proteas

Former skipper boasts of quality

Former South African captain Graeme Smith must be careful not to jinx the Proteas ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in the United Kingdom in June.

Speaking exclusively to the ICC website‚ Smith said when he looks at the current Proteas ODI side, he can’t find a weak link but only quality options with both the ball and the bat.

“One unfortunate reality for all South African players is the tag that accompanies them at any tournament‚” Smith said.

“It’s been nearly two decades since South Africa have won a major ODI tournament and the question of just ‘why’ gets thrown at you in every press briefing you do.

“The players will have to deal with that and remind themselves that they were not far away in 2015.

“This is a side that fans love to watch‚ with some of the best players in the world, and it may well be that bit of luck that will get them over the line.”

The Proteas will play three ODIs against England before the start of the Champions Trophy and Smith believes it will be an ideal way to prepare.

“The three games against England in May will help the players acclimatise to English conditions ahead of the tournament.

“It’s important that they play those games as close to tournament intensity as possible‚” said Smith.

SA have won 14 of their last 16 ODIs and Smith said that will boost their confidence.

“The team has won 14 of their last 16 ODIs‚ thus the players will be full of confidence ahead of the tour.”