Surrey CCC’s skipper Graeme Smith has been backed to come good by fellow countryman and former opponent Johannes Myburgh.

The South African captain has not enjoyed the best of starts to the County Championship season at the Kia Oval, scoring only five runs from his first two innings.

Smith, who was unveiled as Surrey captain in April, faced only three balls against Somerset in the season opener before being dismissed for two runs.

The 32-year-old followed it up by being caught behind for just three off 12 balls in the first innings of the current match against Sussex.

But compatriot Myburgh, who played with Smith in the South Africa U19s and against him for the Titans when Smith was at Western Province, is unconcerned.

“Graeme is world class, his record and his recent captaincy record for South Africa is superb, they are not the number one test side in the world for no reason.”

Myburgh, who will captain Sutton CC in the Surrey Premier Division this season, added: “Graeme has a serious batting record in all forms of the game, and he is vastly experienced and very well respected, not just in South Africa, but also around the world.

“It is marvellous for Surrey to have him and if people keep their ears open they will earn a great deal from him.

“Will he come good? Of course, I have no doubt at all.”