Proteas Test captain Graeme Smith has had to face umpteen deliveries during his career, but this week’s delivery is definitely one for which he’s had no previous practice – the birth of his first child.
It was a big weekend for Smith, who scored a century playing in his 100th Test match at the Oval in London, and the coming week is going to be way bigger.
Even as Captain Fantastic scored his 100th run, his new baby wasn’t far from his mind.
Late last year his wife, Morgan, miscarried at eight weeks, and throughout this pregnancy she has been extra careful, and definitely not exercising, which led to her packing a few extra kilos.
Smith and the Irish singer/songwriter tied the knot in August last year after being engaged for a few months.
They met while she holidayed in SA in January 2010, and he proposed during a visit to Ireland in April last year.
They were married at St Bernard’s Church in Newlands, celebrating with a black-tie cocktail reception at Suikerbossie restaurant, above Hout Bay, afterwards.
Smith took some flak for travelling to Ireland to propose, following his team’s defeat in the World Cup in India, rather than returning to SA to face disappointed fans.
But on Saturday, Smith was back on top, becoming the seventh batsman to score a century while playing his 100th Test match.
As he batted his way into the history books, his excited wife tweeted: “I think my waters just broke!! Oh my goodness.... My husband-you Rock Star? soooooo proud!!!!”
While she was joking that she had already gone into labour, the truth is that the birth of their new baby is imminent.
Smith said there were a number of things going through his head as he scored the century, including the forthcoming birth.
Cricket SA spokesman Michael Owen-Smith said Smith would leave the UK on Monday night to arrive home in time for the birth. The baby is due on Tuesday.
Owen-Smith added that the cricketer would remain in SA with his family, rejoining the squad before the start of the second Test on August 2. [email protected] – Cape Argus