We have a plan for Pakistan: Graeme Smith

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Mohali, Oct 26 (UNI) Describing Pakistan team as ''very volatile but superb'' South Africa captain Graeme Smith today said his side has a plan to tackle the former World Champions in an all-important Group B champions Trophy match here tomorrow.

''Pakistan are a volatile but superb side, you just can never take them for granted,'' Smith told mediapersons here on the eve of the match adding, '' We will focus on our game plan. We implemented all our plan superbly against Sri Lanka and hope to do it tomorrow also.'' Asked if Pakistan seamers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohd Asif's absence will make any difference, Smith candidly admitted, ''It will be a lie if I say that it won't effect the opposition. But still we can not take them (Pakistan) lightly. They still have quality bowlers.'' ''We will be implementing and focusing on our game plan to attack Pakistan with bat and bowl,'' he said adding, ''Pakistan obviously has slight advantage as they played on this track and know it well.'' The South African skipper said the key to the success in this tournament was to adapt to the conditions. He asserted that his side has some very good batsmen. ''We have solid batsmen in the order, but in earlier matches we had some very soft dismissals and that we have to look into.'' Smith was of the view that since his team has not played one-dayers for last three-and-half months, so in terms of confidence win over Sri Lanka was essential.

About the pitch, Smith said, ''We were quiet surprised by the carry in the pitch. There is a bit of juice in it. Also there is some grass which probably will be shaved.

He agreed that dew was going to be a problem but added, ''We will try and put measures and plan to cope with it. We did cope with it well while playing against Sri Lanka.

''The team (who bowls second) will have to strike early before the dew sets in. You need good start, early quick break through.'' ''The conditions here will suit our pacers, I think our bowlers will like the conditions,'' he added.

He lavished praise on fielding coach Jhonty Rhodes saying, ''His presence has helped us. He has been superb. He has a high intensity of training and sets very high standards.

''Apart from a good coach Rhodes is also great innovative. He has raised the bar as far as fielding (coaching) is concerned.'' Asked whether he will like to win or lose the toss, he replied in a jest, ''I will like to lose it.'' UNI HSB DH DS1547

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