Smith: I was up for the fight

Graeme Smith drives through the off side during what he termed "my best knock"

South Africa captain Graeme Smith admitted his side had really been pushed “hard” by England after they clinched a series win with a five-wicket victory in the third npower Test at Edgbaston.

After beginning day four on 297 for six, England were bowled out for 363, setting the tourists 281 to win.

Andrew Flintoff, Monty Panesar and James Anderson then all struck as South Africa collapsed from 65 without loss to 111 for four.

But Smith (154 not out) and Mark Boucher (45no) batted confidently to give South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead with one Test to play.

“England made us play really hard. We didn’t bowl as well yesterday and they put us under pressure and we had to come up with something special which we did,” Smith said.

“I think England made us fight for this one. We had to work hard at Headingley and show a lot of discipline there to go 1-0 up which is the key in trying to get it sewn up before the last one.

“I think if England had won this one the Oval would have been very difficult for us.”

Smith also reckoned that his unbeaten 154, which led the team to victory, was one of the most satisfying innings of his career.

He added: “I’d like to think it was my best knock in the colours in terms of the meaning that comes with it.

“Obviously I have some individual knocks which mean a hell of a lot to me, but in terms of the country and the team and what we have achieved I think it is right up there.”