South Africa's Smith curbs training due to knee injury

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Apr 21 (Reuters) South African skipper Graeme Smith has a minor knee injury ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Australia.

The opening batsman did not play a full part in today's training session ahead of Wednesday's semi-final against the defending champions, a team spokesman said.

''He has a niggle and thus didn't train as intensively,'' he said, adding that Smith was advised by team physio Shane Jabbar to manage the problem through rest.

The South African skipper hurt his knee while fielding in Tuesday's Super Eights victory over England that enabled the team to clinch a semi-final berth.

South Africa, bidding to reach their first Cup final, face Australia in the second semi-final in St Lucia on Wednesday.

The seven-week World Cup culminates in the final in Bridgetown on April 28.

Reuters DH VP0230