Sport | Cricket
Flintoff is going to have to carry a lot of heat, says Graeme Smith
South Africa skipper Graeme Smith said England's success in their Ashes defence starting in Australia next month will depend on how they cope with the aggressive home crowds.
- Reuters
- Published: 23:34 May 3, 2009
Mumbai: South Africa skipper Graeme Smith said England's success in their Ashes defence starting in Australia next month will depend on how they cope with the aggressive home crowds.
The South African team complained of a barrage of racial taunts during their tour of Australia at the turn of the year that prompted the International Cricket Council to introduce a new code of conduct on racism and strict measures for spectators.
"How England deal with the crowds could be the biggest factor in the Ashes series," said Smith, preparing for the Champions Trophy in India. "It will be England's main challenge - how they handle playing in Australia." Smith suggested England skipper Andrew Flintoff find ways to get the Australians to focus attention on himself so as to give his team mates time to adjust to the environment.
"As a leader in Australia, Andrew is going to have to carry a lot of heat," Smith said.
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