England, July 25:South Africa captain Graeme Smith has admitted that comments made by opposite number Nasser Hussain helped motivate his side to perform well on day one of the first Test against England. Smith said Hussain's pre-match suggestions that there was a rift in the visitors' camp had fired up his players. "It definitely does play a role in motivating you," he said, ending the afternoon unbeaten on 178 runs out of a total of 398-1.
"We thought those comments were a lot of rubbish. We took those to heart."

Smith deflected praise onto opening partner Herschelle Gibbs after the pair amassed a 338-run stand, the sixth-highest for the first wicket in Test history.

"I owe much to Herschelle. He is a fantastic player to bat with," said the visiting captain.

"He was so aggressive and he put the bowlers under pressure by racing to his 100 and allowed me to do my thing.

"And then Gary Kirsten came in and did really well against the new ball."
"There were spells when England bowled well, and I admired the way they kept going, but perhaps they bowled too short.

"But I don't want to give too much away, before we bowl."

Smith was also anxious to pay a personal tribute to the family of team-mate Jacques Kallis.

On reaching his century, the South Africa skipper touched his black arm-band, worn as a tribute to Kallis' father, who died on Wednesday.

"I just wanted to show Jacques that we are thinking of him - he is a main cog of this team and a great friend.

"I'm not sure if he'll be back for the Lord's Test - he must join us when he is ready.

"But I can't wait for him to return."

Bureau Report.