England await tough series

England arrived at Edgbaston today expecting a fiercely competitive Test series against South Africa - and their wounded opponents were desperate to prove them right.

"I don't think there will be an inch given on the field in the five matches," predicted captain Graeme Smith after dismissing suggestions his touring team were divided and disillusioned.

"That's absolute rubbish," added Smith, responding to a newspaper report which alleged former skipper and key fast bowler Shaun Pollock was not giving his full support.

"We all started laughing when we read it. I think it's a bit of First Test propaganda."

England captain Nasser Hussain could not resist mentioning "rumours" of unrest in South Africa's squad. "If that's the case it is time for us to pounce," he said. "But it may not be the case."

South Africa insist there's no truth in the claim. What is more, despite losing three out of four one-day internationals to England and missing Jacques Kallis at Edgbaston following the death of his father, the tourists believe Hussain and Co are the men under the cosh.

"We are in a win-win situation because many people here have written us off, which adds a lot of pressure to the English," said Smith. "And they have a few tensions themselves."

Smith made careful mention of Alec Stewart's retirement announcement earlier this week and the fact England now have two captains in their ranks following Michael Vaughan's rise to one-day leader.