'Recuperating' Smith likely to be fit for UK tour

Cape Town, Apr 26(ANI): South African Test captain Graeme Smith has started his rehabilitation programme after undergoing surgery on his left ankle and is likely to be fit for the UK tour in July.

The South African medical team is satisfied with the progress he has made after a successful surgery.

"Graeme has responded well to the surgery on his ankle and started with his rehabilitation programme this week," Sport 24 quoted Proteas team manager Mohammed Moosajee, as saying.

"His rehabilitation will start off very lightly with the physiotherapist in Cape Town, and will become more rigorous as the weeks progress before he can start with cricket specific training towards the end of May. We are very pleased with the progress he is making and at this stage he is on target to be fit for the tour to England," he added.

Smith is in line to play his 100th Test for South Africa and should also beat Allan Border's 18 year-old record of most Test matches as captain, which currently stands at 93. mith expressed happiness over his fitness.

"It was slightly frustrating for me after the surgery because I had to move around in a cast so it's good to be back on both feet again. The ankle is still a bit painful but I'm working hard with the physio and hopefully I will be holding a cricket bat soon. The tour to England is an important one for the Proteas and I'm confident that I will be 100% fit and able to lead the team by then," he said. (ANI)