Opposing captains Graeme Smith and Andrew Strauss have plenty in common - both left-handed opening batsmen, born in Johannesburg, both with superb Test records behind them, and critically, both seem to perform at their peak in series? between South Africa and England.

Similarities like these should foster a grudging respect between the two should they not?

Maybe, but any mutual admiration that existed will have been extinguished by their recent Champions Trophy ?run-in?.

The debate over whether Strauss should?ve allowed Smith a runner has gone back and forth ever since and whichever side of the fence you?re on, the incident has certainly added some spice to an already fascinating contest.

As leaders of their respective batting line-ups, Smith and Strauss are the go-to men when a big and heroic knock is needed, but their personal duel will have as much to do with their captaincy as it will their batting form.

Their contrasting styles are as plain as day. Smith approaches captaincy the same way he does his batting - with aggressive intent that while not often pretty, has a determination about it that has been the driving force behind the South African side enjoying one of the most successful periods in its history.

Strauss has a more understated, traditional approach with bat in hand and was thrust into his role as England captain as the conservative replacement for the outspoken Kevin Pietersen.

But just as Smith has toned down the brash, combative nature which epitomised the early years of his captaincy, so Strauss has looked to move away from his mild-mannered reputation. The Champions Trophy incident was evidence of the new, cut-throat Strauss and it will be interesting to see how this new persona plays out when the tour kicks off.

It seems his new-found aggression in the field has filtered into his batting and although his ODI average of 32 doesn?t look threatening, a run-a-ball century on Sunday against the Warriors (to add to 72 against the Eagles) is the most recent proof that he is a now a major threat in the limited-overs arena.

Smith, meanwhile, has always looks to dominate up front, and in the absence of the mercurial Herschelle Gibbs, the burly left-hander will take on even more attacking responsibility at the top of the innings.

The degree to which the two sides rely on the rival skippers (both in terms of runs and leadership) can?t be underestimated, and whoever comes out on top in their personal battle will have a significant bearing on the outcome of the series.

That the two have built up some recent animosity will translate into a highly-charged relationship between the teams ? all the better for the series I say!

The words are sure to be flying both ways and tempers will flare. Whether this suits a settled and experienced Proteas side or an unpredictable English outfit is tough to call.

One thing is for sure though, South African fans will be out in force and while most of the taunts from grass verges around the country will be saved for our favourite enemy KP, Strauss may be in for some unkind words himself.