Smith: We can build on this

Proteas skipper looking to the future after series win over Sri Lanka

Last updated: 6th January 2012  

Smith: We can build on this

Series win: Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and Graeme Smith

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South Africa captain Graeme Smith thinks his team can use their 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka as the foundation for a good year.

Despite a fine century from Thilan Samaraweera, South Africa worked their way through the Sri Lankan order on the fourth day and eventually prevailed by 10 wickets.

"We have a tough year, with away series against New Zealand, England and Australia," said Smith. "The way we won here was important. We bowled well as a unit, each guy was able to create pressure. There's a lot to build on for the year to come."

Jacques Kallis was named man-of-the-match after marking his 150th Test with a career-best 224 and equalling two South African records by taking four catches in the second innings and six in the match.

"One goal I still want to try and achieve is to be part of a team that wins the World Cup," he said. "Whether I can get there time will tell. No-one's got a right or privilege to play in this Proteas side."

Disappointed

Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan was disappointed his side failed to build on their win in Durban in the second Test.

"As a team we have to take the blame," he said.

"After the Durban game we came here with a lot of confidence but we didn't start well with the bowling department.

"We talked about a lot of things coming into this match, about bowling line and length, but it didn't work.

"It is very difficult to find good cricketers and we have to correct our domestic structure. Coming from our club cricket to international cricket is a huge difference."

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