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Smith gets back in form

Graeme Smith's nightmare tour of Australia may soon be a distant memory after the South Africa skipper cracked an unbeaten 89 in this morning's Twenty20 win over Australia.

Graeme Smith's nightmare tour of Australia may soon be a distant memory after the South Africa skipper cracked an unbeaten 89 in this morning's Twenty20 win over Australia.

The 58-ball knock helped the opening batsman erase the pain of a poor summer in Australia where he failed to match his trash-talking with big scores.

Smith averaged just 25.83 in the Test series which Australia won 2-0 and was unable to register a half-century against the home side in the Tests or limited-overs games.

But after leading his team to a two-run win at Wanderers Stadium, Smith has played himself back into form for the five-match limited-overs series which starts in Centurion on Monday (AEDT).

"Runs always help to get people off your back," Smith said after hitting 11 fours and one six.

"Certainly today will go a long way for me confidence-wise."

Smith, 25, has been focusing on improving his balance after falling leg before four times in the Test series against Australia with speedster Brett Lee a constant threat.

"Brett is bowling superbly. He's a key man and I see myself as a key batter in the South African side so it's going to be exciting," Smith said of their duel.

"Hopefully I can get the better of him here. He had moments over me in Australia.

"I struggled a little bit with balance in Australia.

"To face someone at 150 kilometres an hour you have to keep your mind clear and focus on the ball.

"It was kind of tough what I went through and I've worked hard on getting it right."

Smith is also planning to continue his tough approach on the field, constantly firing verbal bullets at the Australians.

"I play the game hard and certain things will be done," said Smith.

"I'm not going to be out there using my mouth off all the time. It's got to be clever.

"We'll see more of that around the Test series."

Smith is prepared to up the ante when Shane Warne arrives next month for the Tests.

Smith, who bagged Warne during the Australian summer for undermining skipper Ricky Ponting and being a frustrated captain, today warned Test cricket's leading wicket taker there was more to come.

"Well I think there are 45 million South Africans who will help me out, so I don't need to say anything to him," Smith said.

"I think at times it (banter) does work. You must pick your moments and make an impact.

"I'm sure there will be a few mind games played and I'm sure Warne will definitely have something to say."

Warne also had plenty to say during the Australian series, labelling Smith a "fool".

The Victoria leg spinner has a long history of antagonising South Africa batsmen, most famously when he toyed with his "bunny" Daryll Cullinan in the 1990s.

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