Cricket Test Series - Australia Goes Down Fighting Sports Articles | January 13 Maurice Richard Canada Jersey , 2009


The South African captain was "absolutely stunned" by the warm welcome he received from his fans when he appeared before them and started to walk down the steps to the pavilion.? However Mark Messier Canada Jersey , his hopes of an all-out victory against the world no. 1 ranking team could not be fulfilled as he fell victim to a beautiful leg-cutter by Johnson that bowled him out.? Smith deserved all the accolade he received as his pain was evident.? He was seen wincing with pain after facing the ball a half dozen times but he stood his ground, giving hope to his team-mates and fans all around the world.

Smith was very modest about his brave front claiming "any one of us would have done the same".? He further said that though he would have liked his side to win 2-0 but he was glad his team did not go down? without putting up a good fight.

It was never his intention to actually bat, said Smith Mario Lemieux Canada Jersey , but after seeing Dale and Ntini, the captain could not stop himself from walking down to the pitch.

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting was not unimpressed by Smith's confidence either and he did not waste time congratulating him on his courageous move.? He further added that he felt jubilant on winning but losing the series was "not a good feeling and not one we (Aussies) are accustomed to".

In the meanwhile, Smith will be returning to South Africa to receive treatment for his tennis-elbow and to rest his fractured finger and knuckle Marc-Edouard Vlasic Canada Jersey , allowing them to heal in time to play some more test cricket in the home series at the end of February.