Graeme Smith lands a punch before Boxing Day

South African captain Graeme Smith took first swipe at the Indians ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

Riding on an innings and a 25-run in the first Test at Centurion, Smith started playing mind games ahead of the second Test at Kingsmead.

“I still believe that we could have handled that situation better. I would like to insist that wicket was helping bowlers when we batted for first 40-odd overs,” he said talking about India’s 136 all-out in the first innings. “Then wicket flattened out on second day after tea and then on to third day. But certainly we would done better on that wicket,” Smith said.

He added that his team is a lot confident going into the second Test riding on a thumping win. “Look we won the last Test by an innings and 25 runs. So we have lot of positives to take from that match. On the other side, doubts will certainly creep into the Indian team. But we aren’t thinking too far ahead,” he said.

Smith, however, said that it would not be too much of a surprise to see a fight back from the Indian team, which is ranked No 1 in Tests.

“I expect much more fight back from the India team. They have loads of experience. They will come out fighting in this Test especially in the batting department. Don’t forget this is the fight between the top two teams in Test cricket.”

Later, India had a practice session at the Kingsmead. India coach Gary Kirsten said no decision has been taken on the final eleven for the second Test yet. But he confirmed that seamer Zaheer Khan is fit and raring to go.

“We have shown in the last three years that we have the ability to get 20 wickets in any condition. It’s up to us to prove to ourselves and everyone else that we can do that. It is nice to have Zaheer back; we look forward to whatever conditions are given to us knowing that we have some quality in our bowling line-up,” Kirsten said.