Is this the year that the Proteas take the No.1 spot on cricket's leaderboard?

I think the form of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel is refreshing and if they remain fit, South Africa will be competitive against England, though I can't see them beating the poms in the Old Dart. Their batting is too shaky with only Kallis world class. Smith is Hoggard's bunny while AB is patchy and problematic and Prince would forfeit his place to Duminy is selectors had half a brain. I can't see how they will dismiss the astonishing KP who will plunder them for tons; maybe he'll become the first player ever to make one thousand runs in a series; such will be his determination!! Additionally Michael Vaughan is a proven, astute skipper who knows how to lead men and is a fine tactictian. In contrast Smith is clueless when it comes to captaincy and would only have the job because he's politically suitable (in the eyes of the powers that be) because he compromises principles for reasons of expediency and nobody else wants the job. Surely he's SA's worst ever captain. Unfortunately he has no intellect and intelligence is a prerequisite for good captaincy and leadership. He is always totally inarticulate during press conferences. Haven't SA got someone who can be a fine ambassador for their country, not constantly embarrass it like Smith does. How about Hashim Amla?

No way will Proteas displace the Aussies. And I agree with Greg, the problem is Smith's poor captaincy. He doesn't really inspire confidence, he's not a natural leader. Oz on the other hand has Punter who commands respect from his troops. Besides Australia has enviable depth. Look no further than the IPL.

What utter rubbish ? Vaughan ? Ha, ha... clap, clap, bring him on, the spineless man lump is OUR huckleberry and so is KP. Knock Smith at your OWN peril, bagging him doesn't take away his World Records, his UNMATCHED record in Cricket at only 27 and his future as probably the BEST there has EVER been... when he retires at the ripe old age of Ponting 34/35, he will have made Rickster look like the tequilla swilling mexican clown he was at 27 ! I'll send you the pics !

I think that Smith is a spunk. Don't know about him retiring as a better player than Ponting but I just like perving at him and he's quite cool to watch batting. He plays aggressive strokes and he has broad shoulders. I just wish he'd get a girlfriend to prove his manliness though.