Smith to retire from international cricket after Newlands Test

South African captain Graeme Smith has reportedly announced that he will end his 347-match international career after the third Test against Australia at Newlands.

Smith made his first-class debut for South Africa at the age of 21, and will end his illustrious career with 17, 228 international runs and as the most capped Test captain in the history of the game.

According to Sport24, breaking the news to his teammates after close of play on Monday, Smith said that although it was the most difficult decision he ever had to make in his life, he however, was considering it since his ankle surgery in April last year, adding that he has a young family to consider.

Stating that retiring at Newlands would be the best way to end his career, Smith also said that he is honoured and proud to have had the privilege to lead the team and to have been a part of building the team culture, adding that he is thankful to his teammates, Cricket South Africa (CSA), family, fans, friends and sponsors for their support.

CSA reacted with surprise to Smith's decision, but CSA chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, said that they must respect him for deciding to call time, adding that he has captained the team for more than a decade and will draw a lot more satisfaction from the fact that he leaves the Test team at the top of the world.

Lorgat further said that Smith has been a mighty warrior, a leader of men and an exceptional part of international cricket, adding that the team is now ready to move into a new era and it is their job to build on the solid foundations that these great players leave behind.