Smith: Making history

So far I think this is the most successful South African season we have probably ever had.

Graeme Smith
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Graeme Smith believes he and his players have been a part of the most successful year of South African Test cricket ever, after claiming the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy.

Despite losing a dead rubber to England at the Brit Oval, South Africa clinched the series 2-1 - their first Test triumph on English soil since 1965.

As well as claiming the elusive series victory, the Proteas have enjoyed an outstanding 2007/08 year after a series win in Pakistan and a commendable draw in India.

"I think this series is obviously the one that meant the most to us - it has taken a very long time to get hold of the trophy," Smith said.

"So far I think this is the most successful South African season we have probably ever had.

"So credit to the team in the way they have developed - the collective team effort in regards to performance over that period of time.

On the up

"I think we've learned one or two little things in terms of what we need to do to keep improving.

"When you go to Pakistan, then to India and then you come here, those are three massive challenges within a period of time.

"And when you have won two out of the three series and drawn the other one that is a side that is definitely on the up."

Tougher challenges lie in wait for the Proteas with home and away series' against world number one Test side Australia this winter.

The first of those takes place Down Under in December and Smith, whose team are ranked one place behind the Aussies, is confident his troops can build on their England success and topple Ricky Ponting's men.

"I think the confidence that we have gained from winning the series is an important facet for us going to Australia," he explained.

"That has been the really tough place to play, skill-wise, mentally and physically.

"But hopefully with a bit of luck, we can keep everybody fit, and if the form is good early tour in Australia and we can round the year off with a win there - that would be a great achievement."

Legacy

Smith, 27, is already on his third opponent as permanent England captain, having squared up to Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan in the past.

But Kevin Pietersen has surpassed the achievements of that pair by defeating Smith at the first time of asking.

However, Smith warned: "It is still too early to say anything about the differences in their leadership.

"When a man is captain for five years there is a certain trait that is there, a legacy that he has left.

"The team plays in a certain way. I think Kevin will find that over time, he has obviously had success in his first game, but he seems to be a much more positive, confident guy on the field.

"Michael was more controlled in the way he did things; Kevin is more seen on the field. He might just as well meet the challenges that are coming up for him in a very positive way.

"I think it is going to take time to see his style emerging and how England change under his leadership."