Smith doubtful for third Test

South African skipper Graeme Smith could be a doubt for the third npower Test with England at Edgbaston starting tomorrow after revealing he is suffering with a back problem.

Smith sustained the setback during the Proteas three-day game with Bangladesh A at New Road which ended on Sunday.

He was unable to train yesterday although South African coach Micky Arthur said everyone available for the game in Birmingham was “100% fit”.

But today Smith admitted he is still in some pain and will continue to have treatment with a view to assessing his fitness tomorrow morning.

He is still upbeat about his chances of playing but, if he is ruled out, Ashwell Prince would take over as captain with JP Duminy coming into the side as replacement opener.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith stretches his back prior to the third npower Test at Edgbaston

Smith said: “I’ve had a bit of a back problem. I picked it up during the game at Worcester and it has been niggling me a bit.

“I don’t know if I got it when batting during the first innings at New Road but it was just something I felt one morning when I woke up.

“I’m in a bit of pain at the moment and it is just about making sure that I am ready for tomorrow.

“I don’t want to do anything today that will effect tomorrow. I’m taking treatment.

“I’m improving every day so tomorrow morning I see myself coming down to the ground early and putting in the work I need to do.

“Am I 100 per cent to play? I would like to think so.”

The Proteas could ill-afford to be without Smith who is a proven player in English conditions and has led his side in positive fashion during the current series.

With leading bowler Dale Steyn already side-lined with a broken thumb, the absence of Smith would further enhance England’s chances of levelling the series.