Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith, 33, is playing his 117th Test match

- 110 of which have been as Captain, a world record -  8)

Graeme Smith has announced he will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the final Test :

against Australia in Cape Town  !

"It's a decision that I have been considering since my ankle surgery in April last year.

I have a young family to consider :

and I felt that retiring at Newlands would be the best way to end it

because I have called this place home since I was 18 years-old."

"I have always been someone who has left everything out there on the field for my team and for my country.

I'm extremely honoured and proud to have had the privilege to lead so many wonderful players

and to have been a part of building the Proteas culture to what it is today.

It is a culture that every player can be, and is, immensely proud of."

There were rumours before the India series late last year that Smith :

threatened to resign over selection issues.

"I have been fortunate to have had many highs, amongst them leading and being part of the best Test team in the world.


I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I bid my career a fond yet sad farewell."

He had better give his best Captain's innings yet to save the Proteas.

Big blow for the Saffers, especially after the retirement of Kallis.

Big boots to fill but I expect AB to do a good job.

[quote author=Mail link=topic=88094.msg552502#msg552502 date=1393887852]
Big blow for the Saffers, especially after the retirement of Kallis.
[/quote]

Indeed !!! ...........

What a record of 110 Test Matches as Cappo !!!!  8)

I guess we needed a 2nd tred to reconfirm dis story

[quote author=Mail link=topic=88094.msg552502#msg552502 date=1393887852]
He had better give his best Captain's innings yet to save the Proteas.
Big blow for the Saffers, especially after the retirement of Kallis.
Big boots to fill but I expect AB to do a good job.
[/quote]
AB has done some terrible blunders as captain. But I hope he holds up and does well, he's the only choice I can see. So now Faf becomes vice captain I'd assume?

Anywho, Smith deserves more credit I suppose, he's lead them pretty well - and played some fighting innings as well. To captain a team for 100+ matches without much fuss in itself is quite an achievement in my books.