Give Proteas some ODI slack - Smith

Don’t crucify South Africa’s cricket team if things don’t quite go according to plan in the coming one-day series against Australia.

That was the plea on Thursday from Proteas skipper Graeme Smith on his return to the country.

Smith said a young team had been picked for the one-day series. He therefore expects significant highlights for South Africa but also disappointments.

“We view the series as good preparation for the next World Cup. As captain I actually can’t wait for the series to start,” said Smith.

“I’m really excited to see how our young players will perform. They can play their way into permanent positions in the team with good performances.

“It’s important that we start identifying the next generation of cricketers for South Africa and ensure that they can give a good account of themselves when it matters. Nobody knows when one of our regular players will be injured.”

Smith’s answer to questions about his elbow and hand injuries was that he would be seeing a doctor in Cape Town on Saturday.

“I’ll wait and see what he says. Actually I know what has to be done. My elbow will require an operation at some stage. The big problem is that the international schedule is very busy.

“I will need 8-12 weeks to recover from the surgery and there has never been any time. As a result I’ll keep on playing with the injury until it becomes unbearable.”

Smith said he had the first of the special blood injections in his elbow. The next one is in six weeks’ time.

He is quietly confident that he will be ready to face Australia in South Africa at the end of February. His only concern is that he may not be totally match-fit.

“I’m hoping to play in one or two local Twenty20 games before we play against Australia,” he said.

Smith predicted that the series in South Africa would be a thriller.

“I know Australia will try to pile the pressure on us from the opening bell, but I think my teammates and I know what to expect. I have been really impressed by the team’s performance in the recent series. Everybody did their bit.

“It will be important that our key bowlers don’t get fatigued in the build-up to the series.”

One of the big questions is who among Neil McKenzie, JP Duminy and Ashwell Prince will play.

McKenzie did not measure up against the Australian bowlers. However, Smith said he should not be judged on his form against the Aussies alone.

“Neil is a major team player and means a lot. Ashwell has never let the team down and JP showed he’s a player for the big occasion. I think it’s going to be tough for the selectors.”