Smith surprised with Pontings decision to field first

SA skipper was not expecting Ponting to field first after winning the toss in a crucial match

SA skipper was not expecting Ponting to field first after winning the toss in a crucial match

South Africa captain Graeme Smith admitted he was surprised with Australia's decision to bowl first in the crucial fourth one-day international in Port Elizabeth yesterday a match the Proteas won by 61 runs.

South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs raises his bat after reaching the three-figure mark against Australia yesterday. pic/AP

Opposite number Ricky Ponting won the toss and asked the hosts to bat on a flat St George's Park track, and then watched as Herschelle Gibbs slammed a century to help his side post 317 for six.

AB de Villiers also played a key role with 84, before Dale Steyn snared four wickets as the tourists despite fifties from Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke and Ponting himself were dismissed for 256.

"It is a bit unusual for Australia to bowl first in big games," said Smith afterwards. "But once we posted 317, we were always confident.

"At 129 for nought, we were a little bit nervous, but the boys did really well and showed a lot of character. It was another very good day for us."

The win allowed South Africa to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series and Smith was full of praise for his charges.

"Obviously we wanted to play well and win the series here," he said. "I think the batters did a superb job.

"Again in our top four we got one really big partnership and it was nice to have someone to go on and get a hundred as Herschelle did.

"He's been getting a few starts, so it's nice that he cashed in. So it was a good day." Australia captain Ponting refused to blame his decision earlier in the day for their loss. "There was enough there this morning and I think we even capitalised on it early on," he said. "Herschelle obviously played beautifully today, I think he played a sensational innings.

"I thought De Villiers was also outstanding.

"We needed someone at the top to go on and make a big hundred, but we didn't really have that. u00e2u0080u0094 PA SPort