CENTURION (South Africa), April 14: South Africa captain Graeme Smith faces a fitness test ahead of the first Test against New Zealand in Centurion on Saturday.

Smith missed the third Test against Australia because of an injured left ring finger, and the same injury has put his participation in the first Test against the Black Caps in doubt.

“Graeme batted for 40 minutes in the nets on Thursday and felt some discomfort,” South African media manager Tshepo Tsotsotso told Reuters on Friday.

He said that he was encouraged to see how much the injury had improved.

Tsotsotso said a decision on Smith would be made after he batted in the nets later on Friday.

New Zealand are on the up following success at home against the West Indies this season. The Kiwis won the Test series 2-0 and the one-day rubber 4-1.

The teams' contrasting fortunes are reflected in the International Cricket Council's Test rankings, where New Zealand are fifth with South Africa sixth. South Africa are usually ranked higher than New Zealand.

New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond said the visitors could prove to be the fresher team.

“Our two major worries coming here so late in the summer is to keep the team united and how tired we are,” Bond told a news conference.

“But after the West Indies series we're actually feeling very fresh, we feel pretty good.

“We've played probably half as much Test cricket as South Africa with breaks in between and we're here with our full team,” New Zealand’s paceman said.

He said the 4-0 defeat South Africa dealt New Zealand in the ODI series in October and November would have no bearing.

“We've forgotten about that loss. South Africa are the ones who have something to turn around from,” Bond said.

Bond was confident the knee injury that limited his participation in a drawn tour match against a Rest of SouthAfrica XI at the weekend would not hamper his role as the spearhead of the attack.—Reuters