By Stuart Hess Potchefstroom
This was the semi-serious test Graeme Smith and THAT elbow needed.
A game that counted for nothing in the record books against a West Indies bowling unit on the wrong side of rubbish, was just the kind of outing the South African captain required to make sure everything was in tiptop shape, physically and mentally.
That meant getting through as wide a variety of shots as possible in a game situation, which, while semi-serious, the South Africans were still using to simulate what they anticipate getting when the Champions Trophy starts.
Smith did just that, getting off the mark with a neat square drive that he followed up with a lovely straight drive, a shot that is usually an indication that he is in top form. There were more shots through the covers, square on both sides of the wicket and lofted strokes, in an innings that lasted just over two hours. He was out after skying one into the deep, but not before making 83 off 74 balls, striking 11 fours and one six.
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Crucially, he didn't appear inhibited in any way, there were no grimaces as was the case in England and Australia, and there was also no support on the right elbow that needed surgery three months ago.
As he had claimed in the days leading up to the game, he was indeed fine, and his play yesterday suggested his form was pretty decent too.
Indeed, the rest of the South African batsmen all looked in fine fettle here yesterday. The only concern being Herschelle Gibbs, retiring hurt with a side strain he picked up while trying to avoid a firmly struck shot from his opening partner.
Gibbs will have a scan today to determine the extent of the injury, but he was said to be in some discomfort last night and his availability for Tuesday's opening match against Sri Lanka may be in some doubt.
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