Graeme Smith is undergoing treatment but admits his back is causing him pain. Photograph: Tom Shaw/Getty Images

Graeme Smith could face a late fitness test before facing England at Edgbaston tomorrow. The South Africa captain revealed he is suffering from a back injury sustained during his side’s three-day game against Bangladesh A at Worcester over the weekend. He was unable to train yesterday and admitted that he is still in pain today and undergoing treatment.

“I’ve had a bit of a back problem. I picked it up during the game at Worcester and it has been niggling me a bit,” he said. “I don’t know if I got it when batting during the first innings at New Road but it was just something I felt one morning when I woke up. I’m in a bit of pain at the moment and it is just about making sure that I am ready for tomorrow. I don’t want to do anything today that will effect tomorrow. I’m taking treatment.”

Should Smith miss out, Ashwell Prince will be promoted to captain and JP Duminy will be drafted in to open the batting. However Smith is convinced that is a merely a fallback plan. “I’m improving every day so tomorrow morning I see myself coming down to the ground early and putting in the work I need to do,” he added. “Am I 100 per cent to play? I would like to think so.”

Opening bowler Dale Steyn has already been ruled out of the third Test after fracturing a thumb on his left hand, so Smith’s absence would increase England’s chances of levelling the series.

About this articleCloseThis article was first published on guardian.co.uk on Tuesday July 29 2008. It was last updated at 14:55 on July 29 2008.

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