Donald rejects Smith 'banter'

Allan Donald has rejected Graeme Smith's claim that England should have selected Steve Harmison and rely too heavily on Andrew Strauss' batting.

South Africa skipper Smith has been in indulging in mind games ahead of the four-Test series, which opens in Centurion on Wednesday.

"I disagree with Graeme Smith," Donald told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Harmison is a factor but England are moving on now. Also England's batting line-up is very solid. Strauss is well backed up by a very solid top order."

Smith said England's bowling attack lacked variety because they had not opted for Harmison's "pace and bounce", and warned that although Strauss had batted "supremely well" there were a "lot of questions" about England's batting order going into the series.

Donald added: "It's normal banter before a Test series starts. It's all psychological stuff.

"South Africa will target several England players, and England will target several South Africa players."