Smith: recovery is on course

Is there any doubt Graeme will play at Lord's? No.

Shane Jabaar
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Graeme Smith will be fit to captain South Africa in the first Test against England, confirmed Proteas physio Shane Jabaar.

Smith is sitting out the three-day tour opener at Somerset due to the hamstring injury he picked up while playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

His rehabilitation is going well and it appears certain he will lead South Africa out at Lord's on July 10.

"Graeme is coming along very nicely," said Jabaar on Monday.

"From a fitness point of view, we're still working on things but from a hamstring point of view, I think he's out of danger.

"I don't think he'll have a problem. Is there any doubt Graeme will play at Lord's? No.

"Obviously we want him to be playing. That's the ultimate test."

Kallis update

Jacques Kallis' participation at Lord's is also not in doubt, despite taking a nasty blow on the elbow while batting on the first day against Somerset.

The all-rounder did not field on Monday after being struck by a delivery from former England paceman Andy Caddick before retiring hurt on 160 the previous evening.

"Jacques got a nasty blow on his right elbow, which also affected the nerve running down into his thumb and his forefinger," added Jabaar.

"That is why he was struggling to control his bat a little bit.

"He was obviously sore from the shock of getting hit but that settled down. We'll see how he responds but I think he'll be ready to bowl for the warm-up game with Middlesex (July 4-6) at Uxbridge."