PTI

Durban, Mar 18: With the world's top ODI batsman - Graeme Smith - leading them, the South Africans are all set to "thump" India in the upcoming three-match Test series, feels Proteas' Cricket Board chief Gerald Majola.

Lauding the in-form Smith for guiding the team to the top of the ICC ODI rankings, Majola said the South Africans will be a tough proposition for the home side.

"Cricket South Africa (CSA) salutes Graeme on remarkable achievements at such a young age. Graeme's leadership qualities have really come to the fore, and CSA is confident that he will take the Proteas to the number 1 spot in Tests as well," Majola said in a statement.

"India beware in the forthcoming three match Test series which starts in Chennai next week. Graeme Smith and his boys are going to thump Anil Kumble and his charges," he added.

The 27-year-old Smith became the top ODI batsman displacing Sachin Tendulkar after a fine run of form in the series against Bangladesh. The CSA chief lavished praise on the left-hander for his remarkable form with the bat.

"At the age of 27, Graeme Smith has set several landmarks which put him among the best young captain/batsman yet produced in world cricket," he said.

"The Proteas, under Graeme's leadership, have finished the international season as the No.1 ODI team in world cricket and are looking to take second spot in the Test ratings," he added, lauding Smith's leadership.

Smith is the only South African with four Test double hundreds and he holds the world record for the highest first wicket partnership in Tests with Neil McKenzie - 415 v Bangladesh at Chittagong.