Smith plots success after surgery

Captain Graeme Smith is "extremely nervous" ahead of South Africa's Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates this month.
Captain Graeme Smith is "extremely nervous" ahead of South Africa's Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates this month.
Smith, who has not played first-class cricket since May, recently underwent ankle surgery – and has been named in the 15-man touring party for fixtures in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
"I feel like I am going on my first tour but obviously with a lot more experience. Having not played for a period of time, I need to maximise the preparation available for me before the first Test," said Smith.
"I've upped my cricket skills in the last two weeks or so and it will be about getting mentally ready. There's a standard we want to maintain. A lot of our standard comes from within."
The Proteas are determined to negate the problems endured by England, against the same opposition in the same region early last year, when spinners Abdur Rehman and Saeed Ajmal led Pakistan to a resounding three-nil series triumph.
"Maybe England weren't as mentally prepared as they could have been. One of the reasons we've traveled so well is because we are able to adapt but this time there is probably a little more of the unknown," he added.
"We're looking forward to playing Test cricket again. I can feel the excitement in the team and when I walk around from the fans. People want more Test cricket."
The first Test will get underway at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on 14 October. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium will host the second and final fixture.
Latest
-
News
Middlesex relegated from Division One as Kent survive on dramatic final day
Middlesex fell just short of the victory they needed at Nottinghamshire to stay up instead of Kent.
-
India
England captain Jos Buttler believes India are favourites for World Cup
The last three editions of the Cricket World Cup – India in 2011, Australia in 2015 and England in 2019 – have been won by the host nation.
-
County Cricket
Surrey retain County Championship title after Essex batting collapse
The holders have been crowned champions for the 21st time.
-
County Cricket
Geoffrey Boycott: Everybody in Newcastle hates Mike Ashley amid Headingley links
The PA news agency understands the Frasers Group, where Ashley is chief executive, is one of the parties interested in purchasing Headingley.
-
County Cricket
Essex’s slim hopes of winning County Championship dented by Northamptonshire
Essex need at least 400 to have any chance of claiming top spot.
-
England
Matthew Mott: Jofra Archer ‘desperate to play but realistic’ ahead of World Cup
The 28-year-old is not expected to be ready to return to action until the tournament is close to a conclusion.
-
County Cricket
Umpire Sue Redfern makes history in County Championship match at Glamorgan
Redfern became the first woman to stand as an umpire in a men’s first-class match in England and Wales.
-
England
England’s summer ends in soggy fashion and prompts a call for innovation
The one-day international against Ireland at Bristol was abandoned.
-
England
England win ODI series against Ireland after play is abandoned at Bristol
Ben Duckett had scored a century and Phil Salt 61 off just 28 balls before rain stopped play.