Graeme Smith, one of the most dogged batsmen of his generation, stunned
South Africa on Monday by announcing he will retire from international
cricket at the end of the ongoing third test against Australia at
Newlands.
"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," Smith said in a statement released by CSA.
"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 have been fortunate to have had many highs, amongst 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," he continued.
CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat praised Smith for his service to 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.
"Following the recent retirement of Jacques Kallis from test cricket, there is no doubt that we are now ready to move into a new era and it is our job to build on the solid foundations that these great players leave behind."
"I would like us to remember Graeme 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." he said.
"These included setting up the 414 runs chase against Australia at Perth and his series-clinching innings at Edgbaston in 2008, not to mention the unbeaten century the last time he faced Australia at Newlands in 2011.
"His role in setting up the famous 438 win over Australia in 2006 was also a performance never to be forgotten."
classvsCricket (CvC) © 2014
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| Graeme Smith |
"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 have been fortunate to have had many highs, amongst 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," he continued.
CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat praised Smith for his service to 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.
"Following the recent retirement of Jacques Kallis from test cricket, there is no doubt that we are now ready to move into a new era and it is our job to build on the solid foundations that these great players leave behind."
"I would like us to remember Graeme 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." he said.
"These included setting up the 414 runs chase against Australia at Perth and his series-clinching innings at Edgbaston in 2008, not to mention the unbeaten century the last time he faced Australia at Newlands in 2011.
"His role in setting up the famous 438 win over Australia in 2006 was also a performance never to be forgotten."
classvsCricket (CvC) © 2014
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