Feed Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 More... We're not chokers: Smith Julian Guyer March 7, 2011 .AFP South Africa captain Graeme Smith hit back at claims his side had 'choked' again at the World Cup after a dramatic six-run loss to England on Sunday. Defeat ended the Proteas' unbeaten start to the tournament and raised fresh questions about their nerve in tight games. Needing just 172 to win, they were cruising at 63 without loss. Advertisement: Story continues below But they then lost three wickets for 19 runs and three more in the middle of their innings for no runs with the score on 124. "That's not predictable at all, is it?" said a sarcastic Smith, when questioned about South Africa's composure. "Pressure? We've handled ourselves in some tough situations over the last few years, I don't think pressure is our weakness." Smith has always insisted that his team's fighting credentials were proved beyond doubt in 2008/09 when he led South Africa to their first Test series win in Australia. Sunday's defeat, completed when Stuart Broad bowled Morne Morkel with 14 balls to spare, revived memories of South Africa's two 1999 World Cup matches against Australia. They lost a group game from a strong position and were then knocked out by the eventual champions on run-rate after a semi-final tie where victory was within their grasp. South Africa exited the 2003 tournament after failing to understand the Duckworth/Lewis system in a rain-affected match with Sri Lanka they needed to win, and were thrashed by Australia in a lopsided semi-final four years ago in the Caribbean. The Proteas, like England, have never won the World Cup and Smith said: "It's obviously disappointing not to get over the line. We've got to learn from today, and pick ourselves up to play India." Unusually for a one-day international, the pitch at the Chidambaram Stadium gave the bowlers plenty of assistance. "There was a lot on offer for bowlers today, reverse-swing and inconsistent bounce," Smith said. "There are a lot of batters' days in one-day cricket; I suppose this was a bowlers' day. It wasn't easy to bat on. "I thought Faf (du Plessis) and AB (de Villiers) hung in there really well. "If they could have hung in a few more overs it would have been terrific - I think we'd have got home." The South Africa captain paid tribute to Broad (4-15) and James Anderson for their command of reverse swing. "I don't think there are many batters in the world who have really mastered the art of playing reverse swing when it's going both ways," he said. "Credit to them for the skill they showed. They were able to create a lot of pressure on the guys. "I thought 170 was a good total for us to chase. But unfortunately we weren't good enough today."
vvvslaxman Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 After the first innings Robin petersen was asked about how comfortable they would be with the chase. He was not giving a straight answer. You could see from his expression that he was not all that confident.
vpg0002 Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 The inexperienced middle order and a week lower order caused the downfall once the heavy top order wickets fell. The one piece of puzzle that RSA is missing is a player like Eoin Morgon / Mike Hussey who can finish the innings in style. Boucher's poor form does not help the cause either. Added to this the inability / inexperience to play quality spin bolwing will be a huge concern. But in all other departments RSA seem to be very strong.
DomainK Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Smith spreading misinformation to mislead his opponents.
Switchblade Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 No matter how much Smith denies the choker,s tag it is going to follow him if he continues to lose close games
julianlev Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 The inexperienced middle order and a week lower order caused the downfall once the heavy top order wickets fell. The one piece of puzzle that RSA is missing is a player like Eoin Morgon / Mike Hussey who can finish the innings in style. Boucher's poor form does not help the cause either. Added to this the inability / inexperience to play quality spin bolwing will be a huge concern. But in all other departments RSA seem to be very strong. Duminy has proven that he can play that role In the Domestic Competition Van Wyk is also a great finisher, he just needs some game time to calm his nerves
gaurav92 Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Duminy has proven that he can play that role In the Domestic Competition Van Wyk is also a great finisher, he just needs some game time to calm his nerves Duminy is a Grade A choker, it was just because of him that :mi: lost miserably in the second edition of IPL. :((
NareshK Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 5 stages of grief Denial - We are not chokers Anger - Damn, we should have won that tight match Bargaining - The other team played well and we did well under pressure in the past Depression - After SA get knocked out of the WC again in a close game Acceptance - We are chokers Smith has a long way to go.
BERGKAMP Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 I really hate Smith, and most of the Safrican team. It would be great to see them choke spectacularly out of the world cup at some point. I have no doubt it will happen.
vamos_rafa Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Trivia-> What would be the name of the movies which features Grame Smith? 1. Mera Naam Choker. 2. Choker Bali. 3. Chandni Choke to China.
DomainK Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Trivia-> What would be the name of the movies which features Grame Smith? 1. Mera Naam Choker. 2. Choker Bali. 3. Chandni Choke to China. :hysterical::hysterical::hysterical::hysterical::hysterical::hysterical:
Sachin=GOD Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Trivia-> What would be the name of the movies which features Grame Smith? 1. Mera Naam Choker. 2. Choker Bali. 3. Chandni Choke to China. :two_thumbs_up::two_thumbs_up:
julianlev Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 I really hate Smith' date=' and most of the Safrican team. It would be great to see them choke spectacularly out of the world cup at some point. I have no doubt it will happen.[/quote'] wow that's a constructive statement the Indian team is very highly thought of in South Africa, with the possible exception of Sreesanth try to set a higher standard for Indian fans :icflove:
Moncy Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Trivia-> What would be the name of the movies which features Grame Smith? 1. Mera Naam Choker. 2. Choker Bali. 3. Chandni Choke to China. :hysterical::hysterical::hysterical:
ganeshran Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Trivia-> What would be the name of the movies which features Grame Smith? 1. Mera Naam Choker. 2. Choker Bali. 3. Chandni Choke to China. :hysterical::hysterical:
BERGKAMP Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 wow that's a constructive statement the Indian team is very highly thought of in South Africa, with the possible exception of Sreesanth try to set a higher standard for Indian fans :icflove: no, this is not a popularity contest. i meant what i said. :two_thumbs_up:
singhprakash72 Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Its like Dhoni Saying "We have the Best Bowling Attack"
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