Smith eyes 'power shift' in world cricket
Graeme Smith claims South African victory in Australia hints at world cricket power shift
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South Africa have beaten Australia by nine wickets in Melbourne to seal an historic series victory in the three-match Test series down under. |  |
Wednesday, 31, Dec 2008 09:07
South Africa captain Graeme Smith believes his side's Test series victory in Australia represents the beginning of a shift in the balance of power in world cricket.
The Proteas became the first team for 16 years to beat the top-ranked Australians on home soil, capping a stellar year which has seen them win 11 of 15 Test matches, losing just two, as well as securing a series win in England and a drawn series in India.
And Smith, whose 75 set up their latest victory in Melbourne, claims his side are now good enough to win the third Test in Sydney which would propel them above the previously dominant Australians in the ICC rankings.
"Obviously things have changed a little bit now. It's a real honour for us to sit here knowing we are the first team in 16 years to come and be victorious on these shores," Smith said.
"The balance of power is evening out in world cricket. Credit to Australia, they've dominated world cricket for a decade now and they obviously enjoyed their time.
It doesn't mean that they're going to be beaten in future tours or are going to be easy to beat, but I think the balance is going to be evened out a little bit more now.
"Maybe other teams are moving into other eras."
Smith also described the 2008 season as "the best" in the history of South African cricket.
"It's got to be [the best]," he continued.
"No disrespect for anything that's gone before us. We're very respectful of the history of our game and all the people who've had opportunities before us and never had opportunities, but I think for us it's got to be the most incredible season South African cricket's ever had.
"I don't think anyone would argue with that, particularly with the results that we've had."