Proteas problems with KP, a thing of the past, says Smith

London, June 11 (ANI): South African cricket captain Graeme Smith has said that his team's problems with England star Kevin Pietersen are a thing of the past, and there isn't any animosity anymore.

The Proteas ace has publicly slated KP in the past and the South African-born ace called Smith an "absolute muppet" in his autobiography.

"I don't think there is animosity there. There will always be competitiveness between players - he is a world-class batter. There's no doubt he will be up for the game 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," The Sun quoted Smith, as saying.

"We are tactically astute and calm under pressure and would rather look at executing good skills than get into scrambles that don't really need to be there," he added.

Last summer's 4-0 series defeat to a Pietersen-led England is a rare recent blot on Smith's captaincy CV.

Smith is keen to get revenge but wants his team to respect England and rise to the challenge.

"The side has a great balance between experience and youth now. The talent is there, it is just about harnessing it now. We are really enjoying our cricket and that is how we have been for the last year and a half," he said. (ANI)