assalamoalikum :jhanda:
http://uk.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/CRICKET_NEWS/2003/APR/168648_REUTERS_10APR2003.html
New captain Graeme Smith said on Thursday it was time for South Africa to look forward rather than constantly harking back to past disappointments.
The 22-year-old left-handed opening batsman, a surprise choice to lead the team after Shaun Pollock was axed following the World Cup, said: “We need a fresh start.”
Speaking before the start of a tri-nation tournament against Bangladesh and India, he added: “We were badly criticised for the failure in the World Cup. I will try to implement my own vision. I won’t follow anyone.”
The South Africans, hoping to become the first hosts to win a World Cup, were knocked out in the first round, leading to a clear-out of players. Pollock, though, who has said he will back his successor, was retained as a strike bowler.
Smith also said it was time to close the Hansie Cronje chapter.
“Cronje is finished as far as I am concerned. He was a very respectable cricketer and I enjoyed his association but the Cronje affair is finished and has no effect on the team any more.”
Former captain Cronje, banned for life following a match-fixing scandal, died in an air crash last year.
Smith, who has only played eight Tests and who was not selected for the original World Cup squad, also talked up his own abilities to lead the side.
“I led Western Province this season and also captained South Africa A on a tour to Zimbabwe this year,” he said.
South Africa play their first match on Sunday against India. The Indians, without Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, open the tournament – all seven matches will be held in Dhaka – against Bangladesh on Friday.
India will move up to fourth in the world one-day standings if they win all their games in the tournament. South Africa are second in the table behind Australia, with Bangladesh in 11th and last spot.