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IT'S GOOD TO BE ON THE TOP: Proteas captain Graeme Smith celebrates with the ICC World Test mace after winning the 3rd Investec test match against England at Lord's cricket ground in London on Monday. Photo: Getty Images

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• SA cricket is number 1

November will see South Africa in the unusual position of travelling to Australia - the world's leading side for much of the time since the Proteas' readmission to international cricket - as favourites to win a test series.

However, the South Africa captain, speaking after a 51-run win at Lord's on Monday saw his side beat England two tests to nil, with one draw, was wary of the task ahead.

The former number one team lost a home campaign for the first time since going down to the Smith-led Proteas in 2008.

"We need to have a strong base so when the wind blows we can handle ourselves," opening batsman Smith said.

"We need to increase our bowling depth in case we get injuries and have players who can come in and perform.

"These guys have built a formidable unit but we have Australia next and that will be an awesome challenge for us," he said.

"Hopefully, we can push forward and take control."

South Africa were briefly the world's top test team in 2009 and Smith said: "Having touched it before, we are pretty humble about this.

"There won't be too many flashy things from our side going forward, our feet will be firmly on the ground."

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Mon May 20 08:45:30 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 22, 2012

NwanaPhiri

REALLY looking forward to the Australian tour, if the boys can do to the Australians what they did to the English, THEN they will be at the top for a very long time !
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Aug 22, 2012

Stumaeza

Yeah now we have to hold on to our number 1 spot
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