Smith played the Hayden-like bully role

This ominously emerged at Eden Gardens on Friday night when he became the Matt Hayden type of bully Indian cricketers fear. It was all aggression as he came hard at India. What is surprising is that it is only his fifth limited overs century but his undefeated 134 is the highest in ODIs at Eden Gardens and the way he put it together raised his own performance bar.

There were some superb drives, delicate cuts and the normally cramped style he often offers was replaced by something that was entertaining as well as free-flowing. He read the pitch well and summed up the bowling with a laconic batting gesture that, while not arrogant, at least showed who was in command.

For those who may have forgotten, his partner in this crushing 10-wicket victory, Andrew Hall, was the guy who put together a sublime innings of 163 at Green Park in Kanpur last year. He’s been around a while as well, and knows his capabilities. In this, with Smith in such dominating form, he’d rather be the partner and rotate the strike.

South Africa’s impressive performance will give them confidence going into Mumbai and for the trials and tribulations expected in Australia. It is a tougher, more competitive side that has grown on this tour, giving Greg Chappell a lot to think about.

The flexibility/rotation policy and Pathan being asked to open the batting exposed the top-order and Shaun Pollock did the rest. Polly has re-emerged as a serious force on this tour and the way he bowing adds pressure up front for the opposing batsmen. It is getting tougher for India.