Smith Longs for More Tests

South African skipper Graeme Smith has taken the view of many cricket loving supporters, by citing that the upcoming three test series with England, is not long enough for the two highest ranked sides in the world.... 

As his side touched down in London this past weeked, Smith knows his side have to hit the ground running, as the three match series is just days away from starting at the Oval on Thursday 19th July.

With England currently enjoying one day success over Australia, attention will have to soon turn back to test match cricket, with South Africa starting their warm up with a two day game with Somerset on Monday.

But, the question will not go away, as to why the top two sides in the world, are due to play only three matches, given England were handed three test matches with the West Indies, and the current five one day series with Australia.

The obvious answer is maximising profits, but many have asked why the West Indies series couldn't have been cut to just two matches, and the one day series with the Aussies, moved forward.

We are simply just wanting to see the two best sides in the longest form of the game, go toe to toe with one another, and Smith is of the same opinion "I'm disappointed that is not a bigger series in terms of the number of matches but that's the reality." he said as the South African's began their preparations.

Smith of course, is never far away from confidence, and he said that his bowlers would get the upper hand on England's batsmen during the series.

"Dale and Morné have proven records. Vernon (Philander) has come in and done really well so I think as a unit they perform well. I respect the England batsmen but I believe we have the bowlers to get them out cheaply throughout the series."

We can't wait of course, but we just wish it had been a longer challenge!

SCHEDULE

Thursday, 19 July 2012 Test match series First Test Match England v South Africa, The Kia Oval, 11:00

Thursday, 2 August 2012 Test match series Second Test Match England v South Africa, Headingley Carnegie, 11:00

Thursday, 16 August 2012 Test match series Third Test Match England v South Africa, Lord's, 11:00

Friday, 24 August 2012 NatWest One Day International Series England v South Africa, Cardiff, 10:15

Tuesday, 28 August 2012 NatWest One Day International Series England v South Africa, Rose Bowl, 13:00

Friday, 31 August 2012 NatWest One Day International Series England v South Africa, The Kia Oval, 13:30

Sunday, 2 September 2012 NatWest One Day International Series England v South Africa, Lord's, 10:45

Wednesday, 5 September 2012 NatWest One Day International Series England v South Africa, Trent Bridge, 14:00

Saturday, 8 September 2012 NatWest International Twenty20 Match England v South Africa, Emirates Durham ICG, 14:30

Monday, 10 September 2012 NatWest International Twenty20 Match England v South Africa, Old Trafford, 19:00

Wednesday, 12 September 2012 NatWest International Twenty20 Match England v South Africa, Edgbaston, 18:30