South Africa deny Smith resignation rumours

GraemeSmith_high_s

Rumours circulated that Smith was unhappy with the decision to select Thami Tsolekile in the 15-man squad to face India, ahead of the in-form Quinton de Kock."There is no truth at all to these malicious and damaging comments," Lorgat - the former ICC chief executive - said.

"As per CSA's selection policy, the captain is not involved in selection.

"All selection procedures and protocols were followed in the selection of the squad and the playing XI and were signed off by myself and transformation manager Max Jordaan."

South Africa minister for sport and recreation Fikile Mbalula called for the team to ignore the off-field speculation.

"Cricket, like all sporting codes in the country, is working towards a transformative agenda," Mbalula said.

"We have already stated that in 2014 we will release the work of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on transformation. We will, therefore, not be side-tracked by malicious people during this time of an important match for the nation.

"To Graeme and the boys I say: 'focus your energies on winning this Test match'."

Heading into day five of the first Test against India, South Africa are 2-138 requiring another 320 runs for victory in Johannesburg.

Author(s)