When the first test between South Africa and Pakistan “bowls off” in Johannesburg on Friday, it will be a big occasion for captain Graeme Smith. A few hours into his 32nd birthday, Smith will be marking his 100th test match as captain. He adds another significant milestone to his timeline, having celebrated 100 test matches in July last year. This weekend’s event is all the more special as he is the first person to captain a team to one hundred test matches…ever.
No one can forget the circumstances surrounding his appointment as captain in 2003, but Biff took up the mantle with aplomb – a confidence seen in very few 22 year olds. An astute thinking individual, Smith possesses integrity and a style of leadership similar to that of the legendary Eddie Barlow.
At Sporting Chance Smith has become more than just the nation’s captain. The soon-to-be 32 year old ran coaching clinics in Khayelitsha in October, inspiring his breath of hard work and discipline on 100 local cricketers, as he celebrated his 100th test.
A maverick over the years, setting the pace rather than following trends, he has paid his dues and we wish him well as he continues with his illustrious career.
