Cape Town - Proteas Test captain Graeme Smith has started his rehabilitation programme after undergoing surgery on his left ankle three weeks ago.

The Proteas’ medical team is satisfied with the progress that he has made after a successful surgery, which puts him on track to be fully fit for the Proteas’ tour to the UK in July.

“Graeme has responded well to the surgery on his ankle and started with his rehabilitation programme this week,” Proteas Team Manager Mohammed Moosajee said.

“His rehabilitation will start off very lightly with the physiotherapist in Cape Town, and will become more rigorous as the weeks progress before he can start with cricket specific training towards the end of May.

"We are very pleased with the progress he is making and at this stage he is on target to be fit for the tour to England.”

The No 1 Test ranking is not the only accolade that hangs in the balance of the Proteas’ tour to England, as Smith is in line to play his 100th Test for South Africa and should also pass Allan Border’s 18 year-old record of most Test matches as captain which currently stands at 93.

Smith on the other hand, is happy to be mobile again: “It was slightly frustrating for me after the surgery because I had to move around in a cast so it’s good to be back on both feet again. The ankle is still a bit painful but I’m working hard with the physio and hopefully I will be holding a cricket bat soon.

“The tour to England is an important one for the Proteas and I’m confident that I will be 100% fit and able to lead the team by then.”