Splendid Smith spearheads series win

South African captain played his lifetime innings (150+ not out) to take SA to series victory against England in England after 40 years. SA were chasing a target of 280+ and started well with 50+ partnership but quickly lost 4 wickets with some dubious decisions and were at 93-4 and the game could have gone any way but for the brilliant performance from captain Smith.

Smith was in his best through out the innings, the short arm pull, the unorthodox straight drives and the superb square drives were simply brilliant. From 93-4 he put a 75 partnership with devillers and reached the target with the company of the experienced boucher. Smith just played his natural game and it was treat to see the ball flowing to the boundary between the country and the deep-midwicket in-spite of the fielders in the line. He was under immense pressure as Flintoff and Panesar were bowling their heart out but he never looked getting out and just dominated the bowling. Boucher with all his experience, played yet another gem of an innings to support his captain to reach the total. Boucher has been accorded as one of the best wicket keepers but he has played many important innings for SA and i am sure this knock will get him the respect he deserves.

I think after long long time a captain has made runs in the 4th innings to win a test and series, Ponting and Lara has done this a few times. I doubt if the great Sachin has played an innings like this in his long carrier to score runs in the 4th innings to take the team to victory. I can remember the chennai test where he failed to finish after getting century against pakistan and the 120 run chase in WI which India failed. Even though there is comparing players, this was such a special innings from Smith which i am sure will not be matched in the near future and will stand tall in the memories of the cricket fraternity.

After this innings Smith stands tall in the list of batsmen who have done well with shear determination, even though he lacks the grace of the top cricketers.