Ian Smit
Sports Editor
South African Test captain Graeme Smith will retire from international cricket after the third Test against Australia at Newlands.
Smith, who captained the Proteas in 109 Tests, which is a world record, broke the surprising news to his teammates after close of play yesterday.
Speaking late last night of his decision, Smith said: “This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life. 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 would like to express my deepest gratitude to the support from my parents and brother, my wife and children, my friends, my sponsors, my fans and to Cricket South Africa.
“I thank and honour the players who I have played with and those who have supported me and helped me to be the person and captain I am today.
“I have been fortunate to have had many highs, among 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,” the 33-year-old added.
Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat was full of praise for the contribution made by one of the true legends of the game.
“Although Graeme’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,” Lorgat said.
“Knowing him as well as I do, having been instrumental as a selector in appointing him as a young captain, he would not have taken this decision lightly or without a great deal of thought.”