Credit to Dhoni’s team for bouncing back, says Smith

DURBAN - South Africa captain Graeme Smith gave full credit to India for winning the second Test by 87 runs here Wednesday.

“India have played really well. It has been a very good Test. They are No. 1 in the world, and all bodes well for the Cape Town Test,” said Smith, after the series was levelled 1-1 at the Kingsmead Stadium here.

The win was India’s second in 12 Test matches in South Africa. The home team also suffered their third successive loss at Kingsmead.

Smith lauded the Indians for keeping the hosts under pressure.

“India kept up the pressure, and credit to Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his team for bouncing back,” he said.

Smith said the batsmen failed after the long time and felt the target of 303 was achievable.

“It was a good battle between bat and ball. We fought hard, but couldn’t get across the line. We didn’t bat well after a long time, out batters have let us down. It’s disappointing not to chase down the target today,” he said.

Smith said that South Africa will bounce back in the third Test in Cape Town to win the series.

“We have some work to do before Cape Town. We have to see how we can bounce back now,” he said.