Milestone man Smith hails shift in balance of power

MELBOURNE: Winning the maiden Test series in Australia is undoubtedly the greatest moment in the history of South African cricket which has also shifted the game's balance of power, victorious Protea captain Graeme Smith said on Tuesday.
    
Under Smith, South Africa crushed Australia by nine wickets in the second Test to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. It also capped a magical year for South Africa in which they won 11 of the 15 Tests they played.
    
Calling it the finest moment in South African cricket's history, Smith said, "It's got to be the best. No disrespect to anything that's gone before us, we're very respectful of the history of our game and all of the people who've had opportunities before us and who never had opportunities.
    
"But for us, it's got to be the most incredible season South Africa has ever had given the results that we've got. I don't think anyone would argue with that," Smith said.
    
South Africa need to win the final Test in Sydney to replace Australia as the number one side. Smith felt the balance of power has now shifted in cricket even though Australia would remain a tough team to beat.
    
"I think the balance of power is evening out in world cricket," Smith said.
    
"Credit to Australia, they've dominated world cricket for a decade. I think they've obviously enjoyed that time. It doesn't mean that they're going to be beaten in future tours and be easier to beat. But I think the balance has evened out a little," he said.
    
According to him, the challenge would now be to maintain the high standard they have set.
     
"For us it's going to be an ongoing challenge to keep achieving these standards we've set ourselves," Smith said.