London, Aug 13: England have been given a glimmer of hope ahead of tomorrow's third Test at Trent Bridge by the revelation that South Africa captain Graeme Smith has been having sleepless nights. Smith, at 22 South Africa's youngest captain, has been in supreme form, scoring 621 runs in three innings with two double centuries while his team, after an innings and 92 run win in the second Test at Lord's, are 1-0 up in the five match series.
But despite that personal and collective success, Western Province left-hander Smith told a newspaper, "I haven't slept well... Not even for one night. My mind is just too active."
For England the lesson is clear: If Smith is struggling to sleep now just how much more difficult will it be for him to rest if his team are put under pressure.
But so far England have not looked like dismissing Smith let alone South Africa for a reasonable score. Their pace bowlers, Andrew Flintoff on occasion excepted, have lacked the discipline to contain Smith, a predominately legside player with a watchful defence. Darren Gough's Test retirement following Lord's leaves England with an inexperienced attack whose novice look will be reinforced by the debut of either James Kirtley or Glen Chapple at Trent Bridge.
Kirtley, England's long time reserve quick will feel his chance is overdue but Chapple, a seasoned county performer at Lancashire, could yet cause the Sussex quick, already a one-day international, more Test frustration.
What England need right now is a player in the mode of South Africa's Shaun Pollock - someone who even if he is not taking wickets himself can at least give his captain a measure of control from one end.
Fast bowler Stephen Harmison is quick but unlike his South Africa counterpart Makhaya Ntini, who took 10 wickets at Lord's, he rarely gives the impression that he is bowling with a particular strategy in mind. Left-arm spinner Ashley Giles has been employed in a defensive role. But he has so far taken just five wickets while failing to exert a stranglehold on South Africa.
Off-spinner Gareth Batty has been called up and given that his stock ball turns away from the left-hander (South Africa have three in their top order) he could at least present Smith with a different challenge.
Meanwhile, England's batting remains a cause for concern after the team were bowled out for a mere 173 at Lord's.
In-form Kent batsman Ed Smith, who has made six centuries this season, is set to make his Test debut in place of the dropped Anthony McGrath.
England are set to face an even stronger South Africa side this time with the return of all-rounder Jacques Kallis who missed the first two Tests of the series following his father's death.
After Lord's England captain Michael Vaughan, thrust into the job at short notice following Nasser Hussain's resignation, said his team were "not as hungry as South Africa".
With the fourth Test at Headingley starting just days after the match at Trent Bridge, England must recover quickly if the series is not to pass them by.
But if their fielding - always a good indicator of any cricket team's performance - is as Shoddy as it was at Lord's they can expect another gruelling and fruitless match. Bureau Report