England have "mental plans" for S Africa

"In any series there are a few (verbal) battles and a few confrontations," Michael Vaughan said.

England captain Michael Vaughan says his team has "mental plans" as part of its arsenal in the Test series against South Africa.

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Vaughan told a news conference on Thursday ahead of the first Test on Friday: "In any series there are a few (verbal) battles and a few confrontations.

"We've got game plans on all their players and mental plans on a few of their players. The odd bit of verbal might upset some of their players."

Vaughan dismissed comments by South African counterpart Graeme Smith that fast bowler Stephen Harmison would come in for special attention from the home side batsmen.

"He's the number one bowler in the world and he's got there by bowling sides out," Vaughan said.

"I've said it many times in the past, but Stephen Harmison will bowl an important spell somewhere in the series. He will make an impact."