Smith declares an end to his feud with Pietersen

SOUTH AFRICA captain Graeme Smith insists his rift with England batsman Kevin Pietersen is a thing of the past as the two nations prepare to lock horns in the World Twenty20.

Opener Smith has publicly criticised Pietersen in the past, prompting the England ace to brand him an “absolute muppet” in his autobiography.

Now, however, the Proteas skipper is looking to end the war of words ahead of the Super Eights opener at Trent Bridge this afternoon and is instead focusing his attentions on limiting Pietersen’s batting ability.

“I don’t think there is animosity there,” Smith said. “There will always be competitiveness between players; he is a world-class batter. There’s no doubt he will be up for the game on Thursday and we will tactically look at a few things. South African teams have come a long way in terms of the way we play our game. We control our emotions very well now.”

Pietersen is expected to be risked by England again today despite struggling with an Achilles injury.

11 June
New Zealand v Ireland, Trent Bridge (1.30pm)
England v South Africa, Trent Bridge (5.30pm)

12 June
Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Lord’s (1.30pm)
India v West Indies, Lord’s (5.30pm)

13 June
West Indies v South Africa, The Oval (1.30pm)
New Zealand v Pakistan, The Oval (5.30pm)

14 June
Ireland v Sri Lanka, Lord’s (1.30pm)
India v England, Lord’s (5.30pm)

15 June
Pakistan v Ireland, The Oval (1.30pm)
England v West Indies, The Oval (5.30pm)

16 June
New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Trent Bridge (1.30pm)
South Africa v India, Trent Bridge (5.30pm)