JOHANNESBURG, Oct 20: Rest of the World captain Graeme Smith is delighted to be back leading South Africa after the frustrations of the Super Series against Australia.

Smith is in charge for Friday’s 20/20 international against New Zealand which is followed by the first in a five-match series of one-day internationals on Sunday.

He told a media conference on Thursday: “The Super Series made me realise how much I love playing for South Africa. It was a unique, interesting experience across in Australia, but probably one of the most frustrating of my career.”

The Rest of the World lost a limited-overs series 3-0 to Australia before the test side, led by Smith, was thrashed by 210 runs in Sydney. Smith found the rushed, one-off nature of the event troubled him.

“I found it tough to deal with the fact that there were no consequences to losing so badly,” he said. “The guys just drifted off afterwards on their separate ways.”

He added: “Playing for your country, and what that means, gives you that little bit extra. Now when I see our (South Africa’s) work ethic, our fitness, our skills and the environment we’ve produced around the team, I know we’re on the right path.”

Smith’s Rest of the World team mates Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Shaun Pollock will probably play on Friday despite only arriving back late on Wednesday after 30 hours of flying.

The match will be South Africa’s first 20/20 international. New Zealand played one against Australia in February which they lost after taking a light-hearted approach to the game.

Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming goes into Friday’s game with an attack badly weakened by injuries. All rounders Jacob Oram and Scott Styris and left-armer James Franklin are all doubtful.—Reuters