India and South Africa return for the ODI series decider at SuperSport Park, the venue where the Test series kicked off in December
India and South Africa return for the ODI series decider at SuperSport Park, the venue where the Test series kicked off in December This is where it all began ufffd on a damp surface that saw India getting shot out for 131 by South Africa ufffdin the opening Test last month.
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| SuperSport Park in Centurion. |
The sides have returned to lock horns here at SuperSport Park in the fifth and final one-dayer on Sunday. India and South Africa are eager to get done with the tour and prepare for the World Cup. Victory in a high-profile series ought to be the ideal way to switch on for the big one.
Such is the eagerness of India to return home, they fly back just an hour after the game.
While South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has been vocal about being physically and mentally drained after 17 robust days of cricket in just less than 36 days, his counterpart was his typical, positive self. "Honestly, the last month or so has been heavy on the players because the World Cup squads were round the corner, so it put lot of pressure on everyone. It has put lot of pressure on the captains too. Now, I am looking forward to the break of two weeks. It's time to freshen up, we have to be at our best in the six weeks after that," Smith told reporters minutes after his team's 48-run victory (D/L) on Friday. "But, before that break there's a big game to play on Sunday. Realistically, nobody holds the advantage. Whoever performs better on the day deserves to win the series," he added.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni reiterated that the World Cup was not on his mind, just yet. "The wickets in the subcontinent will be totally different, mindsets of captains will change.
Batsmen will play with more freedom, so this game will have no impact on it. The series is set up beautifully. It can't get any better than this. The best teams in the world going into the last day of the tour, and there's still no winner. May the best team win," he said.
The weather may play spoilsport though, with thunderstorms predicted for match day. Incidentally, it is Smith's last home ODI as captain since he will relinquish the post after the World Cup. "It has been the story of the summer (overcast conditions). There's been so much rain around in South Africa. It was bound to play a role somewhere. I just hope it stays away. I would love to go out on a high since it's my last game as ODI captain in a home game. I have received enormous support from all quarters over the last seven years. I'd like to try and go out with a victory,"
said Smith.
