South Africa taking Ireland seriously
By Isaiah Chappelle
Guyana Chronicle
April 3, 2007
SOUTH Africa would take Ireland seriously in today’s Super Eight match of the Cricket World Cup at the Providence stadium.
In the pre-match press conference at the stadium, yesterday, coach Mickey Arthur said the team “pushed” South Africa in the warm-up match in Trinidad & Tobago.
“We won the toss on a wicket that was dead. They bowled very well. But we know what they have to offer.”
He said at this stage teams could not afford to slip.
“It’s about two points. We’re treating them with the seriousness they deserve.”
The coach said they singled out four players for “extra” attention.
Asked if they had expected Ireland to be in the Super Eight, Arthur said they always knew that a team would surprise on the way.
He said had the team been Pakistan instead, South Africa would prepare the same way.
“It’s a Super Eight match. The tactics might have been a little different.”
Smith said the side was tough because they play for each other and in tight matches, it made the difference.
He also pointed out that teams that played with confidence were the best.
“You’ve got to challenge the opposition strength.”
Ireland coach Adrian Birrell said it was an honour to be in the Super Eight and morale was good.
“The teams’ confidence has risen since the start of CWC. We deserve a little bit of credit that we progress.”
Birrell said the players as amateurs, sacrificed a lot of time and the hours amateurs spent on cricket would not be too far from the professional who had a lot of free time.
“A lot of commitment and time are put into it.”
He said they were comfortable with the conditions at the Providence stadium but they did not get to practise as much as they would have liked because of the rains.
“But the other side is in the same situation.”
Player Andre Botha acknowledged that South Africa had good batting and good fielding.
“They’re exceptional. But we will go in with our game plan.”