Smith Expects Improvement From Bowlers In Adelaide

Smith Expects Improvement From Bowlers In Adelaide

Graeme Smith has challenged Morne Morkel and the rest of his bowlers to put in an improved performance in the second Test

©REUTERS / Action Images

The draw between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane was probably the right result, according to Proteas captain Graeme Smith, although he expected more from his bowlers.

In allowing Australia to progress from 40 for three to 565 for five declared, South Africa's chances of winning the match disappeared as they failed to keep up the pressure on the home side.

Michael Clarke (259 not out), Ed Cowan (136) and Michael Hussey (100) all passed three figures to steer Australia to safety after Jacques Kallis (147) and Hashim Amla (104) had done likewise in South Africa's 450 all out.

"There is enough time to reflect, and to get one or two things right for Adelaide," Smith said. "I felt that we were ahead of the game going into day four having them at 42 for three; we just never backed up quite well enough with the ball.

"Michael (Clarke) and Ed (Cowan) played really well and took the game to us and we didn’t quite respond in the way that I’m used to our guys responding. I think there are a few areas to improve. All in all I think for me a draw is probably an even reflection of the way the surface played for both teams."

South Africa showed they had what was required to dig deep on the final day, however, when they closed on 166 for five to ensure the game was drawn and the two teams head to Adelaide - where a more spin-friendly wicket is expected - all square, although bet365 make South Africa 7/5 favourites (Australia 2/1, the draw 21/10) to win the second Test.

"I don’t think the surface lived up to the hype of the build-up, there were a lot of good hundreds scored  during the game and a lot of players batted really well. I know we can raise our level a lot after what we showed in this game and I’m looking forward to that."

South Africa will have to make at least one change for the game, which begins on 22nd November with Faf du Plessis or Dean Elgar expected to debut in place of the injured JP Duminy.

Imran Tahir who was surprisingly left out of this match, can look forward to a return to action, especially with South Africa lacking Duminy's useful off-spin, with Rory Kleinveldt, who struggled on debut, bowling 12 no balls and conceding 97 runs in 12 overs, is the prime candidate to make way.

© Cricket World 2012