August 14, 2003	Thursday	Jumadi-us-Sani 15, 1424

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NOTTINGHAM (England), Aug 13: South Africa captain Graeme Smith is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite the rich vein of batting form that has helped his touring team dominate the first two Tests against England.

Smith has amassed 621 runs in three innings, including two double centuries, leading his side to a crushing victory at Lord’s to put the tourists 1-0 up in the series ahead of the third Test at Trent Bridge starting on Thursday.

“We have played some great cricket and got some momentum going but we are starting fresh from tomorrow and have to knuckle down again,” he told a news conference on Wednesday. “You always have to be humble in this game and well-prepared.

“This is a big game for me mentally. Another double century would be huge for me but I have to start again fresh. I am always hungry to do well as a batter.”

Smith, 22, thinks his batting feats have helped him settle into the captaincy, which was handed to him five months ago following the team’s dismal campaign as World Cup hosts.

“It’s great to get big scores because they definitely set the tone for the team,” said Smith who has hit 277, 85 not out and 259 in his last three Test innings. “It has helped me to relax.”

Smith admitted he felt tired after masterminding his team’s innings and 92-run victory at Lord’s but he feels rejuvenated after a few days away from cricket.

South Africa, who also dominated the first Test before rain allowed England to scramble a draw, should be boosted by the return of all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who missed the first two Tests following the death of his father.

“It’s great to have him back,” said Smith. “We know what a great cricketer he is and he’s also a solid character to have back in the dressing room.”

South Africa failed to capitalise on leading Test series in England in both 1994 and 1998 but Smith does not think that will concern his players.

“We are aware of that fact, but we are a new side and we just have to concentrate on reproducing the kind of cricket we played in the first two Tests,” he said.

Seamer Dewald Pretorius is available for selection but a decision over the fitness of experienced batsman Gary Kirsten, who has an arm injury, was to be made later on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Michael Vaughan, the England captain, played down suggestions his captaincy style is too relaxed.

Vaughan knows his side must improve considerably to avoid going 2-0 down in the five-Test series, but he will not change his style.

“People have said that I am too soft but I can assure you I’m not,” the 28-year-old said. “If I’m smiling and relaxed on the pitch then that’s because it’s my way of doing it.

“I’m a pretty relaxed and calm character.”

Vaughan said his team’s performance at Lord’s, his first Test in charge, had been unacceptable.

“We just didn’t play well enough at Lord’s,” he said. “We were well below par.

“But we have had a good honest chat about it and we know we have got to get our discipline right in all three areas.”

Vaughan knows his bowlers must find a way of dismissing Smith, the tall left-hander, to give England a chance of victory.

“We have got a decent plan to get Smith out but at Lord’s the bowlers didn’t quite carry it out,” he said. “We did create an opportunity but unfortunately we didn’t take it. As a bowling unit we have to be more disciplined.”

Vaughan was referring to Nasser Hussain’s simple dropped catch when Smith had made just eight before going on to 259, but the Yorkshireman said he was delighted his predecessor as England captain is still in the side.

“He’s (Hussain) a strong character full of experience who gives a lot of input into the team,” he said. “He’s a hell of a role model for the younger players and the way he’s practised over the last couple of days has been a great example to them.”

Vaughan said it was up to the England players to match the efforts of Smith and South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who took 10 wickets at Lord’s.

“It’s down to individuals to put up their hands to score big hundreds or take a load of wickets,” he said. “If they can do that then we have a hell of a chance.”—Reuters