View Full Version : Graeme Smith appointed captain of South Africa
Smith new South Africa captain - administrator
DURBAN, South Africa, , March 15 , 2003 (Reuters)
Opening batsman Graeme Smith will succeed Shaun Pollock as South Africa captain, according to a senior cricket administrator on Saturday.
"It's time to get behind the new captain, Graeme Smith," Logan Naidoo told South African television.
Naidoo is president of the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union and a member of the United Cricket Board (UCB) general council. He would not confirm the appointment when questioned again by the interviewer.
Pollock was sacked on Saturday after the host nation failed to get past the first round of the World Cup.
Smith, 22, has played just eight test matches, none of them outside South Africa. He was left out of South Africa's original World Cup squad but called up as a replacement for the injured Jonty Rhodes.
::: Reuters
This is a joke,isn't it ? :eek:
Surely either Boucher or Kallis would get the job.
Not a bad idea to appoint someone relatively new and without the baggage of the past failures.
St-KriS
16 Mar 2003, 09:52
Graeme Smith?!?! He wasnt even in the original 15 man squad for the world cup!
St-KriS
16 Mar 2003, 09:54
Originally posted by Fred
Not a bad idea to appoint someone relatively new and without the baggage of the past failures.
True, but with all the infighting that's been happening in SA cricket, do you think it's wise to put a realitve newcomer in charge? Surely Kallis must feel ripped off.
Kallis doesn't strike me as captaincy material, for some intangible reason.
I think the selectors would've been tossing up between Smith and McKenzie to lead South African cricket down a new road. Because let's face it, the current group haven't done FA.
St-KriS
16 Mar 2003, 10:01
I suppose they dont really have alot to choose from. I know that alot of cricket "experts" have always said that Boucher is a very selfish vice-captain. Never lent Pollock much assistance in fielding setup's and whatnot. To worried about his wicketkeeping which is understandable, but why make him Vice-Captain in the first place?
Probably show us that SA cricket is up s#@t creek at the moment if there's no standout choice as captain.
I think Smith must've been the stand-out choice for captaincy - although perhaps not this early - otherwise Kallis would've got the gig.
Surely they wouldn't slap the captaincy on some scrub and hope for the best... or would they?
lamby29
16 Mar 2003, 10:10
Is Pollock still test captain?
Originally posted by lamby29
Is Pollock still test captain?
No. They do not sepereate their captaincy. Apartently Kallis didn't want it and Boucher just isn't suitable which only leaves Gibbs as an experienced player and there is no way known they can appoint him with his history.
Why not go for someone a bit raw it maybe what they need. Look at India they have 4 players in their side who have captained at some stage in their career.
CharlieG
16 Mar 2003, 11:14
THIS HAS TO BE A HOAX!!!!
8 Tests??? You've gotta be joking!
Originally posted by CharlieG
THIS HAS TO BE A HOAX!!!!
8 Tests??? You've gotta be joking!
They aren't the only ones to pull a captain out of left field. We appointed Ian Craig captain in the 50's. He played a total of 11 tests, 5 which were as captain.
Kenny_01
16 Mar 2003, 11:40
I think it is a bold decision and it will pay off. I'm glad Kallis or Boucher didn't get it. Good decision giving it so someone with the baggage like someone else pointed out before. Smith will be a good choice.
dr nick
16 Mar 2003, 12:41
Originally posted by Fred
Not a bad idea to appoint someone relatively new and without the baggage of the past failures.
hmm, the current side are the world champions though
dr nick
16 Mar 2003, 12:44
besides, a player who has not played in losing test matches IMO is far less apt for the job than someone (like a kallis) who has been through all the highs and lows of it all.
i tend to think people who were part of losing sides appreciate the taste of victory even moreso.
dr nick
16 Mar 2003, 12:45
and i also think inexperienced captains are more content with a drawn result because it doesnt reflect that badly on them, as opposed to win at all costs
It's not April 1 yet, or is it?
That is a joke, surely there is someone with a little more experience who would be a better option at this stage.
It's way too much pressure for someone aged 22 and veteran of 8 tests to handle. For a smaller nation it might be OK, but not one where there is immense pressure from fans, media etc to perform.
Captain Sensible
16 Mar 2003, 16:08
Their kidding themselves. Smith hasnt got the temprement to be playing international cricket let alone being captain of a test paying nation.
It wasn't a joke.Smith is captain
------------------------------------------------------
Pollock commits to SA cricket
Posted on 16 March 2003 - 13:45
Deposed South African cricket skipper Shaun Pollock remains fully committed to the interests and future of South African cricket and has promised to give the new captain, Graeme Smith, every bit of support possible.
Furthermore he has no intention whatsoever of pursuing a career in English County Cricket.
In a straightforward and from the heart media briefing at Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday morning Pollock said: "I am fully committed to South African cricket. I still believe I have a lot to offer."
"From a personal side I want to achieve a lot more goals playing Test and one day cricket. I am looking forward to it."
Before the conference began Pollock, with a rueful smile, said: "I don't want to miss this one, do I?"
He then issued a formal statement in which he said: "At the outset I would just like to say that despite the fact that I am no longer captain of South Africa I am always a 100% committed to South African cricket and would like to remain a positive influence in the side."
"For the record I did not resign as captain as I felt that would be a soft option. I was informed by Omar Henry and then Gerald Majola that my services as captain would no longer be required and I accept that decision," explained Pollock.
"Looking back I would like to thank the UCB for bestowing on me the honour of being the captain of South Africa. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look back on my record and my memories with pride.
"I have spoken to my successor (Graeme Smith) and I have wished him well. I believe he has a lot of potential and could be a great captain for the country and he will have my full support," he said.
Fair chance
"I believe I still have a big role to play in South African cricket and in this team and I look forward to this challenge."
"Lastly I would like to thank all the people who have loyally supported me through my tenure as captain."
"I would also ask everyone to get behind the new captain, support him, focus on the positives and give him a fair chance in the interests of South African cricket."
"I would also like to thank the players. It has been an honour and a privilege to work with each and every one of you."
When asked whether other heads should roll in the wake of his dismissal Pollock replied: "No, I would call for people to stay calm. At the end of the day it is disappointing that we did not get as far as we should have in the World Cup."
"You have got to look at the players. They are a precious commodity. Those are the best players you have got in the country and surely you can argue on many points of issue. You have got to build them up as much as possible though."
"It is not the personnel or the individuals who come under scrutiny here. It is South African cricket that counts and we have to get SA cricket to the place where it belongs and I believe that is right on top."
Pollock was at pains to point out that talks of a split in the camp especially around the Hansie Cronje situation were blown out of proportion.
Pollock said emphatically: "I did not feel that I would be relieved of the duties as captain. But obviously that has turned out differently. The decision that I was not the man for the job has been made and that is that."
"I do not believe I have been sacked on the back on the World Cup performances. Over the years there have been criticisms about the way I have handled certain issues and people have made issue about my management skills. It is something I have been very conscious of and I have been working as hard as possible on that aspect of my makeup."
South Africa is ranked the number one nation in Test cricket and, before it's shock elimination in the first round, had been a favourite to win the World Cup.
red+black
16 Mar 2003, 21:32
enough of the subjectivity, lets look at the figures:
Born: 1 February 1981, Johannesburg, Transvaal
M--I-NO-Runs-HS1-HS2-HS3---Ave-100-50-0
8-12--1--606-200-151--73-55.09---2--2-1
--3--3-caught----1 L 2nd Test v Aus in SA 2001/02 at Cape Town [1593]
-68--3-caught wk-3
--1--4-caught wk-2 W 3rd Test v Aus in SA 2001/02 at Durban [1595]
-42--3-caught wk-4
200--1-caught----1 W 1st Test v BD in SA 2002/03 at East London [1619]
-24--1-caught wk-2 W 2nd Test v BD in SA 2002/03 at Potchefstroom [1621]
-73--1-caught----2 W 1st Test v SL in SA 2002/03 at Johannesburg [1624]
-15--1-lbw-------2 W 2nd Test v SL in SA 2002/03 at Centurion [1626]
--0--1-lbw-------4
-16--1-caught wk-1 W 1st Test v Pak in SA 2002/03 at Durban [1635]
-13*-1-not out---4
151--1-bowled----1 W 2nd Test v Pak in SA 2002/03 at Cape Town [1637]
hmm. wouldn't be any questions about his age, experience, or away form?
for those that have noticed, South Africa's next test series is away to the mighty Bangladesh. This will almost ensure that South Africa remain on top of the ICCTC table for quite a long time to come.
Their next tour is away to England, which they lost last time. A loss will keep the status quo, anything else will only aid the South African cause and harm Australia's.
Fall Out Boy
17 Mar 2003, 06:10
This reminds me of England's decision to appoint Hollioake as their one-day captain some time back.
I'd give Smith 12 months at most.
St-KriS
17 Mar 2003, 07:20
From the reports I've read, Smith hasnt even captained his First Class side so he might be in over his head here..
Originally posted by phatandphreaky
This reminds me of England's decision to appoint Hollioake as their one-day captain some time back.
I think Darren Lehmann has said England should re-appoint Hollioake one day captain.Don't think it'll happen.
It's interesting that the South African selectors didn't consider Smith as good enough for their initial World Cup squad, and now he's their choice as captain.
I think whoever is in charge of South Africa right now needs all the help and support he can get, especially when selectors aren't allowed to choose their best team.
My North
17 Mar 2003, 16:55
New Zealand did the same in the mid 1990's. New Zealand mad e Leigh Gorman (sp) as captain of New Zealand and I think he did not even play criceket any cricket for NZ in Test or One Day.
Cricket is a strange game
TheSheik
17 Mar 2003, 18:11
Even though I'm an avid cricket fan, one question beckons from me right now, who the hell is Graeme Smith when he's at home ??
Boucher for me. Having played zero test cricket o/s Sth Africa, how's he going to go in India, Pakistan etc.
Interestingly enough, Pat Symcox has just quit his job on the selection panel.
GhostofJimJess
18 Mar 2003, 19:40
At present, South Africa have a complete dearth of "leaders" in their international team - for instance, not a single player in their current squad is a captain at domestic level.
Pollock has never been leadership material, even throughout his junior cricket. Maybe because he was Son of Peter, and Nephew of Graham, that they thought he had it ? They were wrong.
As for Jacques Kallis ... well, they don't call him 'Kalahari' for nothing. Just open space up top, if you know what I mean!
The best man for the job was obviously Gary Kirsten ... by a mile. But guess what ... he didn't want to know about the job. And do you blame him ? He Knows the kind of problems that South African cricket is faced with over the next few years, as their "quota" system is manipulated by people striving for political gain.
So that leaves Graham Smith ...
Originally posted by GhostofJimJess
The best man for the job was obviously Gary Kirsten ... by a mile. But guess what ... he didn't want to know about the job. And do you blame him ? He Knows the kind of problems that South African cricket is faced with over the next few years, as their "quota" system is manipulated by people striving for political gain. Also, Kirsten has hung up his one-day boots.
dogboy23
19 Mar 2003, 15:25
Smith was always going to be there next captain its j8ust it wasnt supposed to be until 4 or so years down the track.There really is knowone else which is staggering to be honest.
CharlieG
19 Mar 2003, 20:26
I really think that within a year's time he'll have quit. You can't take on arguably the 2nd hardest job in cricket (after being Sachin Tendulkar) after 8 Tests. I don't know who'll they'll turn to, but they better start thinking.
Originally posted by royal
Interestingly enough, Pat Symcox has just quit his job on the selection panel.
Former South African offspinner Pat Symcox has resigned as a national selector because of a conflict of interest with his media work.
blangerang
10 Feb 2006, 21:18
graeme smith looks like darth vader with no mask on
dan warna
10 Feb 2006, 21:20
graeme smith looks like darth vader with no mask on
I think your thinking of pat symcox
Ice goddess
10 Feb 2006, 21:25
Arguably the worst decision the selectors ever made. Appointing an unproven captain so young never works. To me Boucher still would be the one for the upcoming series against us Australians. That then gives them the option to leave out Smith or drop him given that he's become a complete liability to the team regarding contributions to the winning cause. I heard it suggested that Dippenaar could come back to open and the middle order while slow is suited to the tempo of tests.
johnnyhoward
10 Feb 2006, 21:28
2 months ago you would have said this was a great decision
Ice goddess
10 Feb 2006, 21:29
2 months ago you would have said this was a great decision
Doubt it, South Africa hasn't done a lot in tests in recent years. His results are not at all flattering. I don't think any of the critics really rate his captaincy. Certainly not his man management if you listen to the way they allude to the rumblings in the team.