CENTURION, April 29: He is Agent Smith back home in the Caribbean, and Tarzan in South Africa. Dwayne Smith has no clue to the new nickname but is pleased it is after a character he adores. A call to his room gets a sleepy voice as response. The West Indian all-rounder asks for 15 minutes to tidy his room. If that is tidying, so be it. In the far corner sits a full blown picture of Smith signed by all his Deccan Chargers colleagues.

"It was a proud moment when the guys presented it on my birthday (April 12)," said Smith as he settled down for a chat with this newspaper. He takes a moment to glance at his mobile phone that has his daughter’s picture on it. He is missing her for sure.

The first question is obviously on his faltering international career that began with huge promise. Smith has played 10 Tests and 71 ODIs for West Indies but after a 93-ball 100 against South Africa on Test debut, a lot more was expected.

"It is no secret that I have fallen off a lot since my first year with the team. Lot of things did not go my way. But I have started training harder and the IPL should help me win back my place in the national team," said Smith.

The Chargers have definitely put Smith at ease. He is happy to have found a friendly unit where his game can develop. "When I moved to Sussex I had my reservations but they made me feel at home from day one.

"I will have to admit it has been better here with DC. There is so much to learn from the likes of V.V.S. Laxman and Adam Gilchrist. I have also had some good points from Darren Lehman and Mike Young," noted Smith.

The all-rounder was a hit straightaway making a useful contribution against Mumbai. The fact that he was not a part of the starting line up in the first two games further steeled his resolve.

"Got to make most of the chances you get. With only four overseas players allowed it will be difficult to find a regular spot. They are all world class and it is important to stamp when you get a look in," said Smith whose fielding in the last two games have been electric.

Even experienced players have said there is so much to learn from the IPL experience and for players seeking redemption, the event is a godsend. "The situations we get in teaches a lot and on how to approach those situations. It has already added a lot to my game.

"The focus here is to play together. It has been a worthwhile journey. But I will have to add the atmosphere would have been far greater in India."

The billboards here are pitting players against their own countrymen. There is no love lost in a battle as hard as the IPL. "Was there a let up in pace from Fidel Edwards when he bowled against Dwayne Bravo the other day? When we are up against our own men we would want to try harder as we do in the domestic games and the English County.

"We actually enjoy these battles. We will be teammates when we wear our national colours again."