Terrific to sign off with the series: Smith

Graeme Smith who played his last ODI in SA as the captain siad he was thrilled to be able to sign off with a series victory and said his team is set for the WC.

When asked about today’s match, Smith felt his bowlers bowled aggressively but admitted that Yusuf’s innings gave him a scare.

“We played good games. (Today) We bowled really aggressively in the first part, but Yusuf then middled a few and almost took it away, but we held on. We learnt some important lessons,” Smith said.

“We weren’t as aggressive as we wanted to be when Yusuf and Zaheer were going, but otherwise we were pretty good.”

Asked about the World Cup, he said, “We have got a good attacking mindset and have a really good chance to win the World Cup. We want to go in a with a mindset that we have the capabilities to win the tournament.”

About the interruption Smith said, “the rain came at a funny time for us.”

Smith was happy to have played his last match as the ODI skipper on South African soil at the SuperSport Park here.

“It’s a beautiful ground, terrific to sign off with the series,” he said.

The victorious skipper also praised the Indian team, especially Dhoni, and thanked the crowd.

“Congratulations to MS and the Indian team,” Smith said.

Man of the match Hashim Amla felt the pitch was a bit difficult to bat on initially.

“The wicket was a bit challenging upfront but then Morne and I got together.

“Glad that I contributed handsomely in winning the game, in an extremely tight series,” Amla said.

Morne Morkel, who picked up 12 wickets, was declared the Man of the Series.

“I was always been aggressive, Today, I missed my areas here and there, but I am happy.

“Things came together for me in Durban, and since then the rhythm has been great,” Morkel said.

“Special thanks to the Centurion crowd.”

Asked about Yusuf’s assault, Morkel was reminded of another Yusuf special a while ago in Mumbai. “I remember the innings he played in Mumbai,” he said.