Simon Harmer kept it simple to script South Africas famous win over India
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This is an archive article published on February 24, 2000
Pre-Test Comments
FEBRUARY 23: On the pitch: The track for the first Test is similar to the one we played in the tour opener at Brabourne Stadium.On South A...
Written by HANSIE CRONJE
February 24, 2000 12:00 AM IST
3 min read
3 min read
FEBRUARY 23: On the pitch: The track for the first Test is similar to the one we played in the tour opener at Brabourne Stadium.
On South Africa’s preparations: Everyone realises things are different in India. The key was for us is to get as many people in the middle. It wasn’t a bad thing that the batters got scores of around 50. But the feeling is, once you get in you should go on to make a big score. Our line-up is a lot more mature and confident than when we toured here the last time.
On the Indian team: They had a very difficult tour (of Australia). It’s never easy to make a come back under such circumstances. I think this thing should work a little in our favour.
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On his own form: It wasn’t good in the Tests against England. I have couple of good knocks lately and I’m keen to rectify that. I enjoy touring the sub-continent and enjoy playing the spinners. Once you see the new ball off you can cash in.
On the wicket: It looks good and hard. It is likely to take turn gradually. Overall, it’s a good Test pitch.
On South Africa: They are a good side. The whole world knows it. We don’t want to underestimate them. In fact, we like to concentrate on our game rather than them.
On his decision to step down from captaincy: I have taken a decision and I stand by it. But now I have a job at hand and that is I have to go out and play. Even if I’m not the captain I have the same responsibilities as a player of the Indian team.
KAPIL DEVØ
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On the team’s chances: It is a new series and one has to work towards it totally differently. We are trying to work that much harder. We had a bad tour in Australia, there is no doubt about that. Australia played extremely well and beat us convincingly. But on has to go ahead in life…
On being taciturn with the media on Tuesday: I don’t have to speak to the press every day. Today is the right time. Let’s not presume in creating stories which aren’t good.
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