Graeme Smith

Profile

In the 12 Test innings leading to his captaincy since his debut in 2002, opener Graeme Smith had already amassed scores of 200 against Bangladesh and 151 against Pakistan. In the 22 parallel ODIs played during the time, he scored eight fifties with a high-score of 99 facing Sri Lanka. Smith was a powerful man-boy, fresh with a domestic “Player of the Year” endorsement, bringing a combination of strength and technique to partner Herschelle Gibbs following the great Gary Kirsten’s retirement. His dominant start gave no impression of beginner’s luck or momentum carried on from a purple patch. The international circuit seemed Smith’s habitat since day one.

An early World Cup exit in 2003 in front of home fans after a controversial draw against Sri Lanka via the Duckworth Lewis method led to Shaun Pollock’s resignation as captain. Mark Boucher’s unwillingness to replace Pollock left selectors scouting for options. The inexperienced Smith was short-listed. Despite facing criticism from various circles upon his appointment, leadership triggered Smith to greater heights. En route, he also clinched a few individual records, elevating his batting performances to historic levels. ODIs reaped better results, most notably a historic 434-run chase in the finals against Australia in 2006. It was then that the ebb was halted. Seven Test series wins on the trot gained moments. A semi-final finish in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup restored South Africa’s standards as consistent performers in Test and ODIs. In the longer version, an away series draw at India failed to replace their opponents as the top Test playing side. Smith then stepped down as the T20I skipper in 2010, and also gave up his ODI captaincy post the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, he continued to captain South Africa in Tests. He has also been a part of the IPL, first representing the Rajasthan and later moving to the Pune.

It all came thick and fast for Graeme Smith. In modern-day cricket, no player ascended from being a 21-year old debutant to permanent captaincy by 22, after featuring in paltry eight Tests and 22 ODIs. Yet, it all worked out, restoring South Africa’s high levels on the international stage and being one of cricket’s most dangerous batsmen.

Fast Facts

• At 22 years and 82 days, Graeme Smith became South Africa’s youngest captain.

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Career

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