Sourav changed the match: Smith

Kanpur: It just didn’t go right for Graeme Smith’s men on the third day of the third Test against India. After the eight-wicket loss, Smith said that on pitches like the square turner here at the Green Park stadium, the margin of error is very small.

"Here the margins were very small. We should have got 300 in the first innings and then should not have conceived a lead of 60, these were probably the two things, which swung the match away from us," said Smith

"We also didn’t bowl as well as we have done through the series. We were too anxious to take wickets rather than just putting the ball in the right areas and wait," he added.

Smith said that a target of 120 would have been a difficult one to chase for India but the lead of the first innings proved decisive.

"The last wicket partnership was frustrating. If we had got a wicket early then the match would have opened up. Chasing 120 would have been tough but 62 was too small. It just takes one batsman to hit a few shots and the pressure is off," said Smith.

Smith said that it was Sourav Ganguly who made all the difference. He said: "I think Sourav changed the match. The way he batted was outstanding."

The South Africa captain also gave credit to the Indian bowlers, who bowled out the Proteas for a measly 121 in two sessions.

"In the second innings, India really bowled well. They kept the pressure on us and except Chawla, they kept it tight."

But even after the loss, Smith said he was satisfied with the way the tour had shaped up for his team.

"Yes, I’m happy. I would have been disappointed if we would have been playing in South Africa and the result would have been 1-1. But India are a tough side at home. I think we have some exceptional players in the side and we have done well.

"We have won eight of our last 12 Tests and lost two. We have beaten Pakistan and Bangladesh at their home soil. We have now drawn the series with India here.

"We have 17 centuries between our six batsmen this season. Players like Hashim Amla, Neil McKenzie and AB de Villiers have grown to become terrific cricketers. So there will be plenty of memories this season."