Updated at: 0031 PST, Tuesday, January 25, 2011
South Africa captain Graeme Smith on Sunday said that winning the ODI series against India was all the more commendable as they had fought back from 1-2 down and this victory would be a morale booster for next month's World Cup.
"It was lot more exciting than what I had thought. I think going in to Port Elizabeth match we were 1-2 down. We were the team under pressure and we were expected to do well under pressure. Obviously for me guys doing so well and we winning the series was very special," he said at the post-match press conference after his side beat India by 33 runs.
"We have learnt some important lessons from this series. We could have been 0-3 or even 0-4 going in to this game. Some of the decisions we have made let us down. It has been hard cricket throughout the series. You have to be at your best to win the series and that is what we did exactly.
"So we are feeling very good team spirit going in to the World Cup. To do well in the World Cup guys need to get some good rest. Then we can start preparation and we are going to play two warm up games. Keeping yourself fresh is going to be crucial," he said.
Asked about the prospect of his side in the World Cup, Smith said, "World Cup is going to be different proposition. It is nice to carry this confidence of series win. We will go to India with Jacques Kallis coming in the team. Because of that we will have many more combination to choose from. During the World Cup wickets will be more batting friendly and we need to adapt our mindset for that."
Smith praised India batsman Yusuf Pathan who threatened to single-handedly win the game for India with his brutal 70-ball 105.
"He almost took the game away from us. We all know Yusuf's potential. Today he was incredible. He was timing the ball so sweetly. He was clearing the rope at will. All credit to Yusuf for fantastic knock he played," said Smith.
Asked why Imran Tahir was not played in the series, Smith said he has been shielded to make him a surprise package during the World Cup.
"It was tactical decision not to play Imran during the series. We think that there is enough time for Imran to play in India. We are going to play two games before the World Cup. He is someone we want to keep fresh for the Word Cup," said Smith.
