Disappointed Smith hopes for improvement

JOHANNESBURG, Dec 18 (Reuters) South African captain Graeme Smith made plain his disappointment after India won the first test in Johannesburg today.

India won by 123 runs shortly before lunch on the fourth day to register their first test victory in South Africa.

The visitors took the upper hand when they dismissed South Africa for 84 in the first innings after India had totalled 249.

''To get bowled out for what he did was not good enough,'' Smith told a news conference. ''In fact, they were more precise than us in the whole test match.

''The way we have performed has been disappointing for all of us.

That's what hurts the most, we let ourselves down.'' Smith hoped for improvement in the second test, which starts in Durban on Dec. 26.

''Going into Durban we can improve a hell of a lot and the guys know what is required -- we've got to pull ourselves up,'' Smith said.

''We need more application and grafting in the next test and we need to grind harder.

''We're honest enough to say we've really messed up this one and that we've got to fight back in Durban.'' Smith praised exuberant Indian fast bowler Shanta Sreesanth, who took eight wickets in the match, including a maiden five-wicket haul of five for 40 in the first innings.

''He hit the best areas in the game and he swung the ball from a straight line which is very difficult to play,'' Smith said.

''He has a lot of energy and he deserves his success.'' Reuters DH DB2016