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Cricket

South Africa eye top spot

Dunya News

Graeme Smith has warned England that South Africa were determined to take hosts' No 1 Test ranking.

Graeme Smith warned England on Wednesday his South Africa team were determined to take the hosts number one ranking in Test cricket away from them.If the Proteas win the upcoming three-match series, they will replace England at the summit of the International Cricket Councils standings.South Africa captain Smith, speaking on the eve of the first Test, which starts at the Oval here on Thursday, said his sides strong away record made them genuine contenders.Weve been really consistent, said Smith.Maybe we havent got some of the victories we would have liked but away from home our record speaks for itself. In all conditions I think its fair to say that weve been the most consistent team over a period of time.Were looking forward to getting hold of that ranking and performing well. This Test series offers us an opportunity.England captain Andrew Strauss acknowledged the home team faced a very strong challenge.He said: South Africa are a very fine side. Theyve proved that over the last couple of years and theyll be determined to knock us off our perch.It will be a good gauge for us. The rankings say we are number one and we have to go out and prove it.Smith insisted he believed South Africa were well prepared despite only playing one two-day game and a three-day match before the Test series, both of which were rain-affected.I know its been a topic of discussion but I think theres a real feeling of contentment and clarity in the squad. Weve had more preparation time than on most of our tours. Were at a point where we want to be.Opening batsman Smith claimed the touring teams bowling was stronger than when South Africa won their last series in England in 2008 -- the last time England lost a Test series on home soil.Since the last time we played in England Morne (Morkel) and Dale (Steyn) are further on in their development and their skills and they still have the same sort of pace which is great, Smith insisted.He added the introduction of Vernon Philander as a third seamer and Imran Tahir as a leg-spinner had given an extra dimension to the attack.