South Africa found wanting in mindset and approach: Smith

“Mindset, and your approach to the game, are those one percent factors that make the difference at this level,” Smith told ICC website after the match. “When those factors are not there, you pay the price and it’s the team’s approach that has been the missing ingredient. If you’re ever so slightly off the boil that will translate to the performances on the field and often it just doesn’t look right.” 

Disappointed with the team, Smith said South Africa has not managed to recreate the form and the brand of cricket that have seen it march forward in white ball cricket over the past 12-18 months. The former South African captain said the positivity and the energy that the bunch generally exhibit just haven’t been there.

“Today’s display is the perfect example of that. With the bat, there was a real chance to make an impression on the game early, by looking to, at least, try and put the India seamers under pressure. Smith said he was surprised there was no attempt from the top-order batsmen to put Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar under pressure. He felt South Africa’s approach conservative. 

“If you’re going to play that way, you can’t afford the calamities that unfolded in terms of the two mid-innings run outs. They will kill any momentum you have, and suck the energy from a dressing room,” he added.