South Africa skipper calls stumps on a record-breaking career after disappointing series with the bat against Australia
South Africa captain Graeme Smith has announced his retirement, drawing stumps on a record-breaking career that will end after this current Test against Australia.
"This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life," Smith said. "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 have always been someone who has left everything out there on the field for my team and for my country. I'm extremely honoured and proud to have had the privilege to lead so many wonderful players and to have been a part of building the Proteas culture to what it is today. It is a culture that every player can be, and is, immensely proud of."