Smith Ready To Put Some Work In

Smith - prepared for hard yards.

Graeme Smith is determined to make the most of South Africa's final warm-up game against Middlesex as the Proteas target a successful return to Lord's in the opening Test.

Smith returns to Lord's on July 10 hoping to emulate the comprehensive victory he led his side to in 2003 when England were beaten by an innings and 92 runs - Smith himself racking up a stunning 259.

South Africa are currently at Uxbridge taking on a strong Middlesex outfit, and Smith has urged his players to get as much as they can out of the warm-up clash to ensure they head to the home of cricket with nothing left to chance.

Smith told Sky Sports News: "There are still a few days before the first Test to put some work in.

"This is where it is going to count and we hope to get the most out of these warm up matches.

"We had a fantastic time there (Lord's) in 2003, myself personally and the team and we would love to reenact that.

"However, England have played some good Test cricket recently. I think it's going to be a great series and people are really going to enjoy it - that is the main thing for cricket."

With Australia continuing their dominance at the top of the ICC Test match rankings, England and South Africa head the chasing pack looking to secure the world's second-best ranking.

After a drawn series with the current world number two, India, earlier in the year, Smith is targeting series wins over England and Australia in the coming months to send a statement to the remaining Test playing nations.

"We take on both England and Australia this year and we have already been in India and done reasonably well there," said Smith.

"Our side is definitely on the way up and hopefully we can keep everybody fit and be ready to show what brand and style of cricket we play.

"There is a real freshness in this team and hopefully we can come out and play some good cricket.

"England are a good Test side and we are going to have to play well to beat them in England."