Smith says Proteas can still overcome India-Southafrica Vs India

DURBAN: Captain Graeme Smith believes he can overcome his poor form and still lead South Africa to victory against India when their test cricket series resumes at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

India won the first test by 123 runs in Johannesburg last week, when Smith scored 5 and 10. He has only two half-centuries in 19innings in the last 19 months.

"We know we played badly in the first test at the Wanderers, but we have no doubt that we can beat India and win the series. We have to be sharper and more clinical. But we've had some hard talks, and we are going to be working very hard over the next three days.

"There's no doubt about the quality of the team. Everyone was raving about our bowling attack in the one-day series, now suddenly, we play badly in one test and people say we don't have a good enough bowling attack. The quality is still there, and this is a highly motivated team. We know what we have to do to improve, and we intend to do it.''

Smith admitted he and the team were aware of public criticism, and feeling pressure to perform at Kingsmead.

"We pride ourselves on doing well at home, and you're always under more pressure at home, if you don't do well,'' he said.