South African cricket captain Graeme Smith says he is on target to play against Pakistan next month after a four-month layoff following surgery on his left ankle.

Smith had two pins inserted in his ankle to repair a stress fracture and has been in rehabilitation since May, but expects to be fit for the Proteas’ two-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, which starts on October 14. The countries will also play five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 games.

The left-handed opener told the South African Press Association he needed to start batting again after his break “to get back the skills I will need for October”.

South Africa hope to have allrounder Jacques Kallis and fast bowler Dale Steyn available again alongside Smith after they also missed the recent Sri Lankan tour.