Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain who led his side to a 4-0 series win against New Zealand, believes that the whitewash bodes well for the future.
"We weren't looking for revenge after our series loss in New Zealand two years ago," Smith told News24.com. "It's all part of a process, and we have come a long way since then. We've gained in maturity and confidence, and it all bodes well for the future."
After the fourth one-dayer at Durban was washed out, South Africa swept the five-match series 4-0 with a clinical run chase in a rain-disrupted encounter at Centurion Park on November 6. South Africa have now won 16 of their last 18 one-day matches, with two being washed out. Smith, however, believes that there were always areas where the team could improve. "We just want to keep getting better," he said. "We face a new challenge in India in a few days time, and will have to look at new game plans for a completely new situation."
Mickey Arthur, the national coach, said, "India is our next challenge, but I'm very chuffed to get a series win under my belt," Arthur said. "The loss of Nicky (Boje) and Herschelle (Gibbs) is quite a blow, but it gives other players a chance to stake a claim for a place in the team. We need to develop a strong pool for the World Cup in 2007."
Stephen Fleming, the New Zealand captain, was clearly disappointed at his team's showing but was keen to find the positives. "Kyle Mills was very good throughout the tour," he said. "He was particularly good in Cape Town, but I thought he played very well in all the games." New Zealand's batting was their biggest letdown, and Lou Vincent apart, no player really got going against a potent South African attack. "Vincent's strikerate was also excellent, and Andre Adams also played very well. What has been disappointing is that the top order failed to build a platform for the rest of the team," admitted Fleming.
New Zealand are due to play Australia at home, and Fleming did not admit any major concerns. "We'll be playing at home, and we're a very good team at home - just as South Africa are a very good team when they play at home." He also said the one-day series would benefit New Zealand when they returned to South Africa in April for a three-Test series. "We know more about the conditions, and we know what we have to do against South Africa. We hope to come here from a successful series against the West Indies."