Proteas Off to England for Revenge

The Proteas have left for England in a fourth attempt to secure a Test series victory in England since South Africa's return to the international sporting arena in 1991.

All three previous attempts have fallen short but skipper Smith is confident his team can produce the goods when their first Test series of the season kicks off on July 10 at Lord's, the "home of cricket".

Smith, still only 27, made double centuries in the first two Tests on the last tour to England in 2003, while Makhaya Ntini became the first South African to take 10 wickets in a Test at Lord's.

But England bounced back from 2-0 down to draw the series 2-2.

And Smith believes his team has what it takes to topple England in their own back yard, but he knows it won't be easy.

"A number of the guys (in the 15-man squad) have played in England, but this tour is always one of our biggest challenges," Smith said before the team left for their tour on Tuesday the 24th of June.

"We will be playing with a different ball and on different grounds and we're going to tap into guys like Shaun Pollock and guys who have been playing county cricket," Smith added.

Legendary South African seam bowler Pollock retired from international cricket in February, but will be in England providing commentary for a British television channel.

Pollock will certainly be helpful, particularly with the younger players in the squad, and has told South Africa's coach, Mickey Arthur, he will be available to assist with advice and will attend some net practice sessions during the tour.

The 34-year-old has played five Test series against England - including two away - and his experience will be invaluable to the players in the squad.

Apart from the four-match Test series, South Africa also face England in five One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20 International.

The visitors will also play three-day tour matches against Somerset, Middlesex and Bangladesh A on their tour, as well as limited overs games against the PCA Masters XI and the England Lions.

South Africa in England international fixtures, July-September 2008:

First Test - July 10, Lord's, London

Second Test - July 18, Headingley, Leeds

Third Test - July 30, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Fourth Test - August 7, Kennington Oval, London

Only T20 - August 20, Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street

First ODI - August 22, Headingley, Leeds

Second ODI - August 26, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Third ODI - August 29, Kennington Oval, London

Fourth ODI - August 31, Lord's, London

Fifth ODI - September 3, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

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