Adored yet ridiculed. Loved yet criticised. That’s what Graeme Smith’s captaincy endured. Throughout his career, everyone has been waiting for him to fall. During family lunches or get-togethers with friends, some would chirp ‘Cut down on those pies, Graeme!’ or ‘Jis, I thought the Proteas did some running at least?’
But, he’s become the most successful Proteas captain and has earned his place as one of South Africa’s greatest batsman. No one will forget his mastery at the crease, his intimidating stance as a left-hander and the way he’d play some shots like it was the easiest thing in the world. All of that with his passion for his side.
While the current Test series against Australia is little to be admired from his personal performances, Smith’s fight has never left fans wondering. His retirement may be unexpected but perhaps it was the right time to hang up the gloves. I wasn’t entirely prepared for it – and many fans are scratching their heads, too – but we’ll have to picture a future without Captain Courageous. On form, unbeatable. Back against the wall and he’d retaliate. He holds the world record of captaining in most test matches as well as the highest number of wins in test matches as a captain.
But, there’s this thing with Smith. Some people either adore him or loathe him (a thing I’ve never understood). Do we forget his valuable innings? Meh hundreds despite not finding his usual touch? Perhaps it’s Smith’s confident “Australian-ness” out in the middle that didn’t appeal to a percentage of the South African public? A spiral off form and the South African public would crucify you – more when you’re essentially the face of the sport.
After holding the skipper’s armband for over a decade and with the fresh-faced dressing room and ‘in-with-the-new’ mindset over the last few months, Smith can bow out knowing that he took this Test side to the top. Alongside controversies, too.
There’s definitely a swing of change. Kallis’ retirement was another indication. Even seeing Mark Boucher commentate for SuperSport feels odd. It makes me feel a little old, too.
The next question on everyone’s minds will be: who takes the captaincy? And it’s a hard one because Smith’s character was an easy go-to – even at a young age. There’s no immediate answer because Smith encapsulated leadership. AB is getting there but isn’t quite there yet. The eye away from AB and his batting performances immediately improve, too. And while the more senior players are always options, form doesn’t dictate leadership and having AB hold two separate squads wouldn’t seem like the best answer right now.
Now, Smith is ready to bow out at Newlands – the ground he made his debut at back in 2002 when he was just 21 years old. With just under 10 000 Test runs and always a colossal fielder in the slips, Smith will see greener pastures as a new father whilst playing country cricket in England. There’s no doubt South Africa will miss the man leading from the front and imposing himself on the field. There used to be a time when Smith opening the batting was the paramount time the Proteas could get on the front foot (I remember Gibbs and Smith coming out to the middle and having all the confidence in world to expect a good opening partnership).
We’ll miss you Biff.
afterkick 