Graeme Smith has now officially retired from the Republic of South Africa national cricket team.
Although he didn’t go out in the way he would have wanted, Smith has been an icon over South African cricket and will be remembered for his passion, leadership, courage and pride when representing his nation.
As we take a look back on the career of this champion, here are arguably the top five moments in cricket for this legend of the sport.
5) Captain courageous- 2009 New Years Test v Australia
This is still unbelievable footage.
South Africa had already won the series against Australia in outstanding fashion, chasing down 414 in Perth before a brilliant Dale Steyn performance got them over the line in Melbourne.
As Sydney came around, Australia were playing for pride, while South Africa were trying to achieve what some would have called unthinkable – a clean sweep away against the world’s top ranked side.
Smith had suffered a broken hand after Mitchell Johnson cleaned him up in the first innings as South Africa struggled to keep with Australia throughout the duration of the Test.
Australia were closing in on victory, however South Africa were holding tight for a draw before Andrew McDonald broke through and many thought the Test match was over.
Enter Graeme Smith, who so courageously came out at number 11, trying to save the match for his side with a broken hand.
Smith battled but was eventually outdone by movement off the pitch from Johnson.
Nevertheless, this has to be one of the most courageous acts on a cricket field, as Smith showed his passion and loyalty to the game.
4) 234 versus Pakistan
After being out of action for a long time, Graeme Smith had to battle against a turning wicket and an aggressive Pakistan attack to make a superb double century in Dubai.
Smith had to battle not only these two issues but the conditions within Dubai and the mental side of the game after he was in the middle for a substantial amount of time.
With just six boundaries coming in his first hundred runs, Smith grew with confidence, bringing up his fifth double hundred and he batted for a duration of 632 minutes.
Outstanding concentration by the captain.
3) 183 v England 2009/10
Arguably the most crucial innings Graeme Smith has ever played in his career. After the game was in the balance after both sides had batted, Smith made 183, battling through an upbeat English bowling attack, as he took the game away from England.
This magnificent century showed true character, as he struggled in the duration of his innings, however he played a crucial role for his side.
A magnificent innings when he needed it – after not making a century for a year, this was hard fought.
2) World record chase – Smith 108
An amazing game of cricket in Perth for the series opener, where South Africa came to Australia in the hope of defeating the Aussies for the first time in a long time.
Johnson however had other ideas in the first innings, taking an amazing 8/61 as South Africa were faced with the mammoth task of making 414 for victory at the WACA.
Graeme Smith’s hundred was exceptional, as he took to both Brett Lee and Johnson on this bouncy wicket, making a crafty century as he set up what would turn out to be a miracle run chase.
With support from Hashim Amla, Smith’s gutsy hundred came after hurting his hand in the first innings. Playing through the pain was something Smith did throughout his career and this was no exception.
In the same series as our #5 moment, this was an Australian summer to remember for all South African fans.
1) 277 and 259 in consecutive Tests against England
This has to be Graeme Smith’s best performance ever in cricket – two double hundreds on South Africa’s 2003 tour of England.
Smith destroyed their bowlers and helped South Africa defeat England. These double hundreds were incredible and showed his brute powers as well as concentration and mental strength.
At such a young age – 22 – to make two double hundreds in consecutive Tests away from home, that is some sort of achievement.
The top moment from Graeme Smith’s career, as he destroyed the Poms in Birmingham and at Lords.
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