Graeme Smith insists he has matured as a captain since he first led South Africa in England five years ago.

Smith was thrown into the role as a 22-year-old, replacing Shaun Pollock in the aftermath of the 2003 World Cup.

After a gentle introduction in Bangladesh, he announced himself to the English public with scores of 277 at Edgbaston and 259 at Lord's in the opening two Tests of the series.

But the left-hander was keen to stamp his mark as captain, and his abrasive nature often made him less than popular among some of his international rivals.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen once described Smith as "an absolute muppet".

Yet after leading the Proteas to number two in the ICC Test rankings, Smith reports he is a different animal - although that does not mean his competitive streak has diminished.

Smith said: "I think I've changed a hell of a lot and like to think I've matured. I've gained a lot more experience.

"I've experience on the field in terms of tactically making decisions. I'm in a far better 'place' than I was five years ago.

"At 22 I was very impulsive, looking to take on everybody and get involved.

"I was new into the job; everyone was challenging you, whether you are good enough - whether it was the opposition captain or players or the media.

"The opposition teams were looking on me as a weakness. As a result you really feel you've got to prove yourself, and I sometimes said the wrong things.

"I think I've settled down a lot more since then, am much more comfortable with my environment and what I need to do - and I know what is important to me. I've come a long way since then."

Shane Warne was among those critical of Smith's credibility, claiming he was unable to get the best out of the spinners at his disposal.

Smith admits his view of the slower bowlers has altered, after playing alongside Warne in the Indian Premier League.

He said: "When you don't have world-class spinners, it is always an interesting one when people question your tactical ability.

"Having spent some time with Warney at the IPL, it was obviously fantastic to watch a spinner of that calibre work.

"You can stand at first slip and watch the little intricacies of his bowling, the things he thinks about - and that for me was hugely interesting.

"I think working with a guy who bowls like that also allows you to think differently about spinners."

South Africa were held to a 2-2 draw when they visited England in 2003, but Smith has complete faith in his current side as they prepare for the opening Test at Lord's on July 10.

He said: "I believe in the team we have got, and there is cross-the-board belief in this team in terms of each other's performances and the roles they can play - and that is a unique environment to be in.

"We'd like to be remembered for the type of cricket we played, how competitive the series was - whether it was Dale Steyn up against Kevin Pietersen or Graeme Smith or Jacques Kallis up against someone else.

"That is the type of legacy we would like to leave when we go home, and I hope it turns out that way."

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