Smith downplays drinking claims

BRIDGETOWN – South Africa captain Graeme Smith on Monday played down reports of a heavy drinking session by some of his players on the night following their World Cup defeat against New Zealand.

“I have no issues with some guys going out for a drink and blowing off steam. It’s a long tournament,” said Smith on the eve of his team’s crucial World Cup Super Eights game against England.”We do have drinking rules.If the guys don’t go over it and push the limits, that’s fine with me.”Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola said in Johannesburg he would be leaving for the Caribbean on a fact-finding mission over the players’ behaviour.He has also sought a report from the team management about media reports saying South African fans had seen several team members “extremely drunk” in public.The supporters reportedly called a South African radio station and said they encountered several players at a bar on Saturday night after the team’s five-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Grenada.Nampa-AFPIt’s a long tournament,” said Smith on the eve of his team’s crucial World Cup Super Eights game against England.”We do have drinking rules.If the guys don’t go over it and push the limits, that’s fine with me.”Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola said in Johannesburg he would be leaving for the Caribbean on a fact-finding mission over the players’ behaviour.He has also sought a report from the team management about media reports saying South African fans had seen several team members “extremely drunk” in public.The supporters reportedly called a South African radio station and said they encountered several players at a bar on Saturday night after the team’s five-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Grenada.Nampa-AFP