Centurion, Jan 24: Graeme Smith was visibly relaxed after winning the ODI series 3-2 despite Yusuf Pathan’s magnificent knock that almost changed the course of the game. The South African captain spoke about the long and hard fought series between the top two teams of the world.

Excerpts from the interview

On being the winning captain at the end of a well contested series

Yeah, it was great to win the series. We were 2-1 down, we played two good games of cricket and to win the series is a terrific break for the team and for me to sign-out. [This] is a wonderful stadium, [it’s been a] terrific crowd and a good performance from the guys here. [It’s] a really good feeling

On having paced the [South African] innings beautifully during the match

We did, we knew the wicket wasn’t that easy. We thought if we could really get a couple of good partnerships, we could [go past] 260-270 which we thought was a really good total. The rain came in at a bit of a funny time for us – at least we still managed to post that total. I think we bowled really aggressively and well for the first period, but then Yusuf [Pathan] [came in]. Yusuf, my mate there, middled a few [balls] and almost took the game away from us.

On being nervous regarding the use of the D/L method

Yeah, I realised that if we were bowled out, Duckworth–Lewis would come into play. I was trying to give Lobse [Lonwabo Tsotsobe] a bit of a lecture there. Our running between the wickets at the backend was a bit scary, but that was a moment. I think bar that, and the ball just backing off a little bit today, and our mindset - we weren’t as aggressive as we needed to be in terms of the Yusuf [Pathan]- Zaheer Khan partnership. Otherwise I thought we were really good.

And the ODI series being ideal preparation for the World Cup

I think it is. We have learnt some important lessons. I think we have got a really young squad and I think the guys have got a really good energy. I think if we can put that good attacking mindset together and be a little street-smart, we have a really good chance going to India. We really have to go there with the mindset that we really have the capabilities to win the World Cup - and there’s a couple of teams who can do that. We are just excited that it’s going to be a wonderful tournament. So this could be one and 2-2 in Dubai and Pakistan’s win 3-2 and come back here 2-1 down to win - so [these are] good signs and hopefully we can take this to India.

On the summer in South Africa being full of top-notch cricket

I must congratulate MS [Dhoni] and the Indian Team - I think they have handled themselves really well throughout the tour and it’s been a great series. I think on that note, also the crowd throughout the summer has been incredible and the people have really got behind the Proteas. It’s been a really special feeling and they have given us a nice signing-off. And to the sponsors who play a massive role in South African cricket, thank you!