South Africa’s Smith downplays the ‘hype’ over Australia fast bowler

South Africa captain Graeme Smith faced four balls from Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson in the first Test and was dismissed twice. The squads start their second Test on Thursday.

Australia's bowler Mitchell Johnson, left, celebrates his wicket as South Africa's captain Graeme Smith watches on the fourth day of their first cricket Test match against South Africa at Centurion PaShow more

Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, has played down the frenzy around the Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson ahead of the second Test, which starts at St George’s Park on Thursday.

Johnson destroyed the South African batting, in the first Test at Centurion, with match figures of 12 for 127, spearheading Australia to a 281-run win.

“It’s important not to get caught up in the hype,” Smith said. “Obviously, Mitchell bowled extremely well and bowled aggressively. We all know that creates headlines, stories and fanfare. There’s huge respect in our team for someone who is performing well but it’s important for us to focus on getting our skills right.”

Smith said neither he nor his team have paid special attention to Johnson.

Smith faced four balls from Johnson in the first Test and was dismissed twice.

“I’ve faced Mitchell a lot of times where he’s had the better of me and times where I have had the better of him. The wicket at Centurion with the new ball and the cracks played a really important role.

“We’ve had a general group discussion on areas that we want to improve. We haven’t watched any more video or anything different than we did before the first Test.

“I can watch videotapes of me scoring hundreds against Mitchell Johnson. Every player here has had success against this attack, not so long ago.”

The South African captain said his team had prepared well as they set out to reverse a crushing defeat in the first Test.

“I believe our mindsets and our game plans are good. Ultimately, it’s about walking the walk now and going out over the next five days and being able to produce the performances to show that,” he said.

Smith said South Africa would put their experiences in the first Test to good use.

“It’s a fairly quick turnaround which I believe is a good thing. We’ve got straight back into our work and had some good discussions,” he said.

Sri Lanka expect ‘close game’ with Bangladesh in second ODI

Sri Lanka will not take Bangladesh lightly on Thursday in the second one-day international (ODI) in Dhaka as they look to clinch a series victory.

Having already won the Test series between the two on the tour, Sri Lanka won the first ODI in the three-match series against Bangladesh by 13 runs on Monday.

That victory came despite Sri Lanka having slipped to 67 for eight in their innings, before they staged a recovery to reach 180 and Bangladesh fell short in reply.

Paul Farbrace, the Sri Lanka coach, said of their opponents: “I don’t think Bangladesh lack belief. It is just about winning a close game. It is amazing how your team flies from there. They will be off and running from there.”

Sri Lanka will be without the bowler Nuwan Kulasekara for Thursday’s game due to a hamstring injury that he picked up in Monday’s victory. The third ODI takes place on Saturday, also in the Bangladesh capital.

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