Smith to retire from internationals

It’s the most difficult decision I’ve had to make, says SA great.

CAPE TOWN: South African Graeme Smith, international cricket’s longest-serving captain, sprang a shock on Monday as he announced he would retire from all international cricket after the current third Test against Australia at Newlands.

The 33 year old – whose long-time teammate Jacques Kallis retired from test cricket in December though he wants to remain part of the one day side – had said only on Friday that he still had things to achieve in international cricket.

However, after another batting failure in the present series, he made just five in the first innings on Monday, he decided it was time to call it a day and told his teammates of his decision.

“This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life,” said Smith.

“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.”

Smith captained South Africa in 108 Test matches, including the present match, for over 11 years.

He also captained a World XI against Australia in Sydney in 2005. His total of 109 Test captaincies is 16 more than the previous record held by Allan Border of Australia.

He has captained South Africa to 53 wins, beating Australian Ricky Ponting’s record of 48 wins as a Test captain. Under his leadership, South Africa lost 27 matches and drew 27, excluding the current Test.

His shock announcement came after he told journalists at his pre-Test press conference on Friday he had no plans to retire.

“There are still things I want to achieve in the game,” said Smith, who when he first led the side, against Bangladesh in 2003, was the third youngest captain in Test history.

‘I’d like us to remember Smith for his nerves of steel’

Under his leadership, South Africa rose to become the number one team in Test cricket.

In 38 series of two matches or more he has had 22 series wins and seven losses, with nine drawn.

Cricket South Africa chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, said he had been surprised by the decision.

“Although Smith’s decision to retire from all forms of international cricket comes as a surprise to all of us, we must respect him for deciding to call time.

“I would like us to remember Smith for his nerves of steel and his match-winning performances that were synonymous with some of the most remarkable fourth-innings victory chases of all time.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2014.

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