Smith eager to finish the job

Graeme Smith believes his team can do what has proved beyond South Africa on their three previous visits to England and turn a 1-0 lead into a Test series victory.

Despite going ahead in 1994, 1998 and 2003, the Proteas have not left this country as winners since being readmitted to world cricket 17 years ago. "We're aware of that," said Smith after his side had completed their 10-wicket triumph at Headingley.

"The Third Test, at Edgbaston, doesn't start until next week and we are going to enjoy this victory first.

"But it's nice to know we are on the up. And we can improve some more in the next match.

"There is still a lot of cricket to be played with two Tests to go and there has been a history of teams fighting back in series between South Africa and England. But Edgbaston offers us the opportunity to close the series out and our focus will be on playing some more good cricket there. If we do, I think we can win again."

Ashwell Prince was named man of the match at Headingley but his captain also praised South Africa's other century-maker, A B de Villiers, who shrugged off criticism from England and the crowd over a low-catch incident to bat brilliantly.

"He played a real man's innings," said Smith. "A lot of things happened during the Test but I think we handled them in a mature way."