SAficans vow to put a good show
New Delhi, Oct 6 (UNI) With skipper Greame Smith and star allrounder Jacques Kallis back in the fold, a reinvigorated South Africa today vowed to put up a ''good show'' in the Champions Trophy and set the ball rolling for a big one-day season culminating into the World Cup in the West Indies next year.
''We are taking it (the Champions Trophy) very, very seriously.
We want win it and get the right momentum going for a big one-day season which culminates into the World Cup,'' Protea coach Mickey Arthur said in a post arrival conference here.
Back in saddle after an injury lay off, Captain Greame Smith echoed his coach's view and his team would do its best to justify the favorite's tag.
''We know that we are starting as one of the favourites. A lot is expected from us and we are not gonna shy away from this resposibility,'' Smith said adding, ''we want an auspicious start to the season and what better a place than India to start.'' Smith said he was happy to back in the side and was looking forward to give his best to team again.
''It was very tough to be away from the boys,'' said Smith and added, ''but I'm happy to be back again and looking forward to contribute to the best of my ability.
On Kallis' return, the skipper said the allrounder was going to be their key player in the tournament.
''It is fantastic to get the key players back. Kallis is one of the best cricketers in the world.
''He's going in the tournament as one of our main bowlers. He'll have a lot of responsibility both with the bat and the ball,'' Smith said.
The captain hoped that the team will benefit a lot from their last year's tour of India where they held the hosts 2-2 in a closely fought series.
On team's strength, Smith said Proteas had an army of bowlers which was going to advantage in the Indian conditions.
South Africa start their Campaign against New Zealand on October 16 in Mumbai and the captain said they would have ample time to gear up for the tie.
''We are going to train very hard for the next ten days. We have some practice matches in our hand. New Zealand are going to be a tough opponent and we are fully aware of that,'' Smith added.
UNI DH AB RN1907


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