JOHANNESBURG: South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith said Sunday the priority this season is to challenge India for first position in the world rankings.
The Proteas, who are expected to confirm Monday that former India World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten will take charge of the Test, one-day and Twenty20 squads, hostAustralia and Sri Lanka this year.
Speaking in South Africa for the first time since his team suffered a shock World Cup quarter-finals loss to New Zealand two months ago, opening batsman Smith said overtaking India must be the major goal of the Test side.
"I remain extremely positive about the Proteas as we set about challenging India for their number one Test ranking," he told a media conference at a Sandton hotel north of Johannesburg.
"Our top order did not bat as well as expected (at the World Cup) and it is something -- myself included -- that we need to work hard to address as we prepare for tough series against Australia and Sri Lanka.
"As soon as the new national coach is named I will work out a programme with him to get my game back to the level I expect of myself. The commitment and pride I feel for representing South Africa is still very close to my heart."
Smith confessed that his form at the World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL) had not matched expectations, and hard work over the coming months was the solution.
"I will work hard over the next few months to once more attain the high standards I expect of myself. A knee injury that was more serious than originally anticipated cut short my IPL season.
"But time is on my side to get fully fit for the new season and to do what I like doing -- giving my best for my country," said the 30-year-old, who recently became engaged to Irish beauty queen Morgan Deane.
Smith apologised to Proteas supporters for not returning from India with the team after the World Cup exit, saying he should have explained his reasons earlier.
"I apologise and make no excuses, but ask South African fans to understand that I was feeling incredibly emotional and prior to the World Cup had asked permission to attend a personal matter in Ireland.
"At the time I faced a full media schedule and felt that signalled the end to the campaign. What I did not take into account was the reaction of the public to this decision," he said.
The appointment of Kirsten, and former Proteas fast bowler Allan Donald and Eastern Cape Warriors coach Russell Domingo as assistants, is expected to be confirmed Monday afternoon by Cricket South Africa.
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