Australia claims another victim? Graeme Smith retires from international cricket

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Smith, 33, has endured a dismal time with the bat in the current three-Test series against Australia, managing just 42 runs across five innings to date.

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However, the left-handed opener boasts an exceptional career record in five-day cricket, having compiled more than 9,000 runs at an average of 49.

Smith was appointed as South Africa's skipper at the age of 22 and has led his country in a record 108 Tests.

"This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life," he said in a statement posted on the Cricket South Africa (CSA) website.

"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 (the venue for the decisive third Test with Australia) would be the best way to end it because I have called this place home since I was 18 years old."

Smith's decision to exit the international arena comes just over two months after legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis brought his career with the Proteas to an end.

And CSA admitted they were surprised by the news, which ensures South Africa will have a huge hole to fill at the top of their batting order.

CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "Although Graeme's decision to retire from all forms of international cricket comes as a surprise to all of us, we must respect him for deciding to call time.

"Knowing him as well as I do, having been instrumental as a selector in appointing him as a young captain, he would not have taken this decision lightly or without a great deal of thought.

"He has captained the Proteas for more than a decade and he will draw a lot more satisfaction from the fact that he leaves our Test team at the top of the world (rankings) and in such good health rather than from all the personal records he has achieved as the longest-serving captain the game has ever seen in the demanding Test format. He also led South Africa to the World Cup semi-final in 2007.

"I would like us to remember Graeme for his nerves of steel and his match-winning performances that were synonymous with some of the most remarkable fourth-innings victory chases of all time.

"He can leave the game with pride and he thoroughly deserves the gratitude of our nation for leading the Proteas with much distinction.

"He has been a mighty warrior, a leader of men and an exceptional part of our international cricket.

"Following the recent retirement of Jacques Kallis from Test cricket, there is no doubt that we are now ready to move into a new era and it is our job to build on the solid foundations that these great players leave behind."

Smith, a pugnacious batsman renowned for his battling qualities, signed a three-year contract with English county Surrey in November 2012 and can be expected to continue performing at domestic level.

He added: "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.

"I thank and honour the players who I have played with and those who have supported me and helped me to be the person and captain I am today.

"I have been fortunate to have had many highs, amongst them leading and being part of the best Test team in the world. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I bid my career a fond yet sad farewell."

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