Smith fears bounce factor could revitalise Harmison

South Africa's captain Graeme Smith has warned his team to beware a Steve Harmison backlash during the Fourth Test at the Wanderers.

South Africa's captain Graeme Smith has warned his team to beware a Steve Harmison backlash during the Fourth Test at the Wanderers.

Harmison has lost his place as the world's No 1 Test bowler during the series, in which he has taken only seven wickets to date. Nevertheless, Smith is wary of the Durham fast bowler's attributes on a surface which traditionally provides extra bounce compared to other South African grounds.

"Harmison is a guy you can never take for granted," Smith said. "He's tall, he's got pace, has good bounce and on any given day if he gets it right he can be destructive.

"I think we have played him well so far; he has not been as destructive as he was in your summer and he has bowled a lot of overs in this series. He has bowled 30 overs in an innings at times and that wear and tear can take its toll."

Of his own side, Smith also backed Herschelle Gibbs to rediscover his best form:"I know he is a world-class performer. He has had a rough run of it of late, but a guy with a record like him will be back. He has put a lot of hard work in and he looks focused and hungry."