BIRMINGHAM, England, 24 July 2003 — South Africa’s Graeme Smith said yesterday he was sure rival captain Nasser Hussain must be worrying about his England future on the eve of the first Test.

Smith said it would be difficult for Hussain to return to lead the side after sitting out a one-day tournament and watching his teammate Michael Vaughan captain England to victory.

“Nasser wouldn’t be human if he wasn’t feeling under pressure from Michael,” Smith told a news conference at Edgbaston.

“I’m sure their relationship is fine but there’s always outside pressure. If we can exploit that, possibly we’ll look at it.”

Hussain retired from one-dayers after England’s wretched World Cup campaign but said he was determined to continue as Test captain. Vaughan, who would like to be considered as a Test skipper in the future, then led a new-look England side to impressive wins over Pakistan and then Zimbabwe and South Africa in a triangular event.

Smith added he did not know Hussain personally but was reading an article on his life and career, “just for interesting information, just to get to know the type of person I’m up against”.

South Africa have won their last nine Tests, although most of those were played at home, with four games again Bangladesh.

Smith, who conceded his side’s confidence had not been helped by defeat against England in the one-day final, added: “Test cricket is different from one-day cricket.

“I think the sides are pretty even. That bodes well for the series. I don’t think an inch will be given.

“We’re in a win-win situation since a lot of people here have written us off. This is an excellent opportunity to turn the summer around and win our first test series here in the modern era. “I think the side that wins will go from strength to strength.”

Wasim Akram Denies Modeling

for Indian Liquor Ad

In Karachi, Pakistan’s former cricket great Wasim Akram has denied allegations he appeared in an Indian liquor advertisement, a day after a court summoned him to explain his position over a private petition.

“The news that a petition is filed against me in a Pakistan court surprised me because I never featured in a liquor advertisement and can never imagine breaking religious laws,” Wasim, speaking by telephone from Manchester, England, told AFP.

The 37-year-old, who retired in May after an illustrious 19-year career, was summoned by a Lahore court to appear in September to face charges he damaged Muslim sentiments for posing in a drink advertisement.

“I think it’s a publicity stunt which is very common in Pakistan and I am used to it,” said Wasim, who holds the world record of highest wickets in One-Day Internationals.

“I have all the documentary proof to substantiate that I modeled for cricket gears for an Indian company which has other businesses as well,” said Wasim.

Wasim sees a remote chance of playing a farewell one-day match for Pakistan during the South African team’s visit here in October. “October is still far but I think once I am retired I am retired.”

“It was a great gesture by Pakistan Cricket Board to offer me a farewell game but I can just walk in the field for some time for a final applause from the home fans in any match,” he said.