I still have lot to offer, says Smith

Longest-reigning captain wants role in South Africa future.

CAPE TOWN: Graeme Smith said on Wednesday he was keen to continue to play a role in South African cricket following his retirement from the international game as a player.

“I’d love to play a role with Cricket South Africa and who knows where that’s going to be,” he said in his final press conference as captain after his side’s 245-run defeat in the third Test against Australia, the hosts lost the series 1-2.

“I’ve gained a lot of experience over the years, worked with a lot of people and feel I still have a lot to offer South African cricket.”

Smith said he believed it was important to create the right environment for the national team to go forward into the future.

“I think there are some important things that need to be tightened,” said the 33-year-old.

“The leadership group is going to be a crucial factor — how they galvanise these players and get them working and going in the right direction. There are a lot of wonderful players who can take it forward [but] there are certainly challenges on the exterior that need to be met.”

Smith, who made 9,265 runs in Tests and 6,989 in one-dayers, said he was also proud of how he had built a good personal record despite criticism of his technique.

“When I started my professional career all I used to hear about was my grip and my stance and that I needed to change a lot of things.

“If you don’t have as much talent as a lot of people but you are determined, work hard and are resilient there is still a lot you can achieve in life and sport.”

He deserves a lot more: Clarke

Australian captain Michael Clarke said South African cricket had suffered a big loss with Smith’s retirement.

“Whatever praise he gets he deserves a lot more,” said Clarke.“He’s a fantastic leader and one of the greats of the game. Cricket will be a sadder place without him. I’ve learnt a lot from him.”

Changes in ICC Test rankings

David Warner and Ryan Harris heroes of Australia’s 245-runs win over host South Africa in the Cape Town Test have achieved best-ever positions in the latest Reliance International Cricket Council (ICC) Player Rankings for Tests, released on Thursday.

Warner, who also won the player of the series award, is now the highest-ranked Australia batsman.

In the rankings for Test bowlers, Harris who ended with a match haul of seven for 95, has moved up two places to a best-ever second position, with Vernon Philander and teammate Mitchell Johnson following his tail.

Meanwhile, the only solace for South Africa from the Cape Town Test was in the fact that Philander has now become the number-one ranked all-rounder in Tests.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2014.

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