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South Africa
Tour Sri Lanka - 2004 |
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icricketer.com > Series >
South Africa Tour Sri
Lanka - 2004 > News
Smith rues over missed
chances against Sri Lanka
COLOMBO: South African skipper Graeme Smith on Wednesday said the
catches dropped by his fieldsmen could cost the team dear in the
ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka.
"You can't afford to let chances like that go on such a good batting
wicket," said Smith after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene
capitalised on missed chances by the fielders.
Sangakkara remained unbeaten on 157 while Mahela Jayawardene slammed
82 as Sri Lanka reached 303-3 at the close of the first day's play
at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground.
Sangakkara was dropped by Jacques Kallis at slip off paceman Shaun
Pollock when on 57, while Jayawardene was let off by wicketkeeper
Mark Boucher off left-arm spinner Nicky Boje on 16.
"I am also disappointed at the way we bowled but we did not miss an
extra bowler as we had decided to go in with a compact bowling
attack," said Smith.
South Africa brought in Herschelle Gibbs in place of all-rounder
Lance Klusener as the opener was declared fit after missing the
first Test in Galle because of an ankle injury.
"I thought Sangakkara and Jayawardene slowed down a bit when our
part-time bowlers were in operation, which was surprising. That
probably cost them Jayawardene's wicket towards the end of the day,"
he said.
Smith was, however, hopeful of a recovery in the match.
"We have to make up. We can still come back in the match if we get
some early wickets tomorrow. The pitch is perfect for batting and we
too have a chance of getting a big score," said Smith.
"Hopefully we will bat past them." South Africa have never lost a
Test series to Sri Lanka.
This is the second and final Test of the series, the first having
ended in a draw.
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