By CricketCountry Staff
South Africa captain Graeme Smith believes that Australian team has been judged more harshly than any other team in Test cricket, adding that they deserve more respect.
Published: Nov 22, 2011, 11:52 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 22, 2011, 11:52 AM (IST)
Graeme Smith says it is always difficult to play against Ricky Ponting © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Johannesburg: Nov 22, 2011
South Africa captain Graeme Smith believes that Australian team has been judged more harshly than any other team in Test cricket, adding that they deserve more respect.
Smith says that there are high expectations from the Australian team after the star-studded side that has preceded them, which included the likes of Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist.
“I think at the moment people often still look back at the Australian team that was a world-class team. There’s not going to be many teams like that,” Smith said.
“Their debutants have stepped up. (Pat) Cummins in particular performed really well. Outside that, they’ve got some quality players still. Australia’s players that were under pressure stepped up and made the difference at the end,” Smith was quoted by Nine MSN.
The South African skipper said former Australia captain Ricky Ponting is a tough competitor and it is always difficult to play against him.
“I’m not too sure what is in Australia or what the set-up is but I know playing against a Ricky Ponting is always a daunting task. He’s certainly one of the most competitive players you’ll ever play against. He’s been a credit to Australian cricket,” Smith said.
