DALE Steyn looked as if he had just been hooked for six by a number 11, while AB de Villiers’s eyes were as wide as if he had just hit a killer two-iron to within a foot of the flag.
Such was the magnificent reception the South African cricketers received upon their arrival at Johannesburg International Airport on Saturday.
In recognition of their epic test and limited-overs series triumphs in Australia, more than a thousand people would go to OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the all-conquering heroes home, with the team looking stunned by the tumultuous celebration.
The South Africans were not only giant-killers on the field, but also won acclaim in Australia as a top-class group of men who carried themselves, and the South African flag, with enormous dignity.
‘To see Graeme Smith walking in front of the Noble Stand in Sydney, which gave us all sorts of abuse the last time we were there, and get a standing ovation was phenomenal. I think we won them over through our humility, we were extremely humble when we won and how you handle both winning and losing is very important and the team were superb on and off the field. We showed a lot of respect for Australia and I think they recognised that,’ coach Mickey Arthur said. Arthur warned, however, that Australia are still a class outfit and the South Africans would face a tough return series at home.
– SuperSport
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