By Zaahier Adams
A month ago, Andrew Puttick was contemplating his cricket future in Cape Town after being left out of the Cape Cobras' Champions League Twenty20 squad for India.
Puttick was gutted that he had failed to make the 15-man squad for the prestigious trip, especially as he was an integral part of the Cobras' 2008 Pro20-winning squad.
Fast forward to the present and the left-hander will now lead the Cobras after Graeme Smith withdrew on Tuesday on advice from Cricket South Africa's medical committee.
Proteas skipper Smith, who had suffered cramps while batting against England in South Africa's final Champions Trophy match, has a "current upper-limb dysfunction" and will not play cricket for the next four to six weeks to get him through what was going to be a very long season.
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"Graeme's withdrawal is a huge loss," Cobras convenor of selectors Omar Henry said on Tuesday. "His international track record and his knowledge of Indian conditions will be missed. However, at the same time, it is a huge opportunity for Andrew to come into the team and also lead the team.
"We can't now focus on what has gone before, but only the future and Andrew is familiar with the Cobras' Pro20 strategies, having played in 2008."
Smith said he was very disappointed not to be leading the Cobras in India.
"It is very important for South African cricket that the two franchises representing us in India should do well," he said, "and, like all the national players, I enjoy playing franchise cricket whenever national circumstances permit. I would like to wish the Cobras all the best and I am confident they will represent our country with pride."
Proteas team physiotherapist Brandon Jackson is keen to get Smith fully fit for the upcoming four-match Test series against England, starting in November.
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