Smith sets sights on Test return

Smith is keen to play in the return series against Australia

South Africa captain Graeme Smith plans to delay surgery on a long-standing elbow injury until after next month's home Test series with Australia.

Smith says he will see a surgeon on Saturday to discuss the best course of action.

"It is really a matter of resting it and then finding a window of eight to 12 weeks so that I can have surgery," said the 27-year-old.

"In the meantime we will just be treating it and keeping it manageable."

Smith returned to South Africa on Thursday after guiding his side to a their first away Test series win over Australia but will be out of action for the next six weeks after suffering a fracture to his left hand while batting in the final Test in Sydney.

He was first diagnosed with the elbow injury while playing in the Indian Premier League in April last year and it cut short his tour of England last August.

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In order to try to alleviate the discomfort, Smith has started a course of treatment where his own blood is injected directly into the tear in his elbow.

He will continue with the treatment in order to play in the return series against Australia which begins in February.

Smith added that he expected the visitors to present a formidable challenge when they arrive in South Africa.

"Australia are hurting and they are going to come back hard at us. We know that with Australia you have to earn every inch and I think they have a lot of respect for us now.

"I am really looking forward to being involved in the test series back home," he said.