Smith quits as T20 skipper

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The_Pumpkin_King

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Johannesburg - Graeme Smith announced on Wednesday his intention to stand down as national captain of the Twenty20 squad with immediate effect and as captain of the ODI squad at the conclusion of the 2011 Cricket World Cup next year.

He will remain captain of the Test squad and will be available for selection for the Proteas in all three formats of the game.

“The off season has provided a great opportunity for me to reflect on our teams’ successful journey and set some challenging personal goals for the future,” commented Smith.

“After a lot of thought and consideration I have decided to step down from the captaincy of the ODI squad at the conclusion of the 2011 ICC World Cup campaign. I will also stand down as captain of the Twenty20 International squad with immediate effect.”

Smith outlined the reasons behind his decision.

“There are several reasons why I have made this important career decision. I am going into my ninth season of international cricket - eight of which have been as captain. It is my intention to play for another five or six years and I know in my heart that I can only do that if I give up some of my current responsibilities.

“It has always been my philosophy not only to make the Proteas the best team we can possibly be but also to enable the players to grow both as cricketers and as people. I believe we have now reached the stage where there are several players emerging within the squad to take on leadership roles.

“My decision automatically poses the questions of why I am announcing it now and why I am not waiting until after the World Cup. It is absolutely vital that we maintain continuity in a World Cup season and this major competition also concludes the current cycle of limited overs cricket. I also feel that making the announcement now will provide the time and development necessary to ensure a smooth transition.

“I remain passionate about the captaincy of the Proteas and after the World Cup I will continue to lead the Test team with pride and will continue to be available for selection in all formats of the game.”

Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Gerald Majola commented: “I have seen Graeme develop as a cricketer over the past decade or so, and I am proud of how far he has come. He took over the Proteas’ captaincy at a young age, and has faced incredible challenges, which he has overcome.

“I support whatever decision he makes, because I know that he is doing what is best for him as a cricketer, and what is best for South African cricket. Graeme still has a lot to achieve in his cricket career and CSA backs him 100 percent.

“His decision to step down from International Pro20 captaincy with immediate effect, and the ODI captaincy at the end of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, opens the door for other young stars to make a name for themselves as leaders.”

Turning his attention to the season ahead Smith commented: “In the shorter term and shorter format, all of our efforts are now focused on winning the elusive ICC World Cup in February 2011, an achievement which everyone involved with the Proteas has firmly in their sights.

“I would like to thank Cricket South Africa and particularly the CEO, Gerald Majola, for their understanding and support of my decision.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that I will soon be launching my own leadership foundation, an initiative which I feel very passionate about. The purpose of the Graeme Smith Foundation is to share the skills which I have acquired through my cricket career to develop leadership programmes for young South Africans in order for them to have a wider impact in their communities.

“I remain highly motivated to play at the highest level and from a personal perspective I feel excited about the challenges which lie ahead and focused on the ambitious goals which I have set myself.

“In terms of the Proteas I know that the players are all working incredibly hard and we look forward to delivering our best cricket in the months ahead,” he concluded.
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About damn time!
 
The_Pumpkin_King said:
next captain?

-Albie Morkel
-Morne Morkel
-Dale Steyn
-AB
-Prince
-Amla

I think Albie will be similar to Polly
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I would go for Prince or Amla, I don't think fast bowlers have what it takes between the ears. Ab is to good a talent to have extra captain pressure on him.
 
Instead of having the usual bunch use this opportunity to bash Graeme I'd like to say that I think it is great that he is thinking about the country and the team. A man that puts the team first needs to be respected.
 
LancelotSA said:
The problem is whether either of those are certainties for a T20 team?
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I think they are. The way Amla preformed last year?, prince has been labeled a test player, but given the right chance and he can prove himself. But we should let the players decide, they probably know amongs themselves who is the best leader in the dressing room. I feel that those 2 have the more leadership-like roles.
 
LancelotSA said:
Instead of having the usual bunch use this opportunity to bash Graeme I'd like to say that I think it is great that he is thinking about the country and the team. A man that puts the team first needs to be respected.
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Well said, they will be out in full force im afraid.

I feel sorry for the next captain, just dare him to compliment his fellow players or talk positively and people will scream "ARROGANCE" or some other trolling
 
Ahhhh Jeeez, I am in agreement with LancelotSA. Someone throw a cement slab at me....

:)
 
D3x said:
Ahhhh Jeeez, I am in agreement with LancelotSA. Someone throw a cement slab at me....

:)
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cement_slab_1.jpg
 
Finally!!! :D
I hope they dont make Kallis captain lol!

But clever move from Smithers... SA cannot compete in this format with the current team, easy way out for him.
 
JK8 said:
Finally!!! :D
I hope they dont make Kallis captain lol!

But clever move from Smithers... SA cannot compete in this format with the current team, easy way out for him.
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killadoob said:
About time.
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Ah nice to see the connoisseurs of 20/20 are back. I've heard that ESPN are having a top 10 show of the best 15 runs off 8 ball innings of all time. A show for the ages :whistle:
 
Shame stephen still feeling a bit upset about the whole kallis sucks at 20/20 argument?

It is a few month on from that, letting go will help you recover faster.

Now we just need kallis out and we will make progress. They are going to drop the 50 over game within the next couple years i reckon. So best get your 20/20 hats on :D.
 
killadoob said:
Shame stephen still feeling a bit upset about the whole kallis sucks at 20/20 argument?

It is a few month on from that, letting go will help you recover faster.

Now we just need kallis out and we will make progress. They are going to drop the 50 over game within the next couple years i reckon. So best get your 20/20 hats on :D.
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No I cant handle the nuances of those 15 run 8 ball innings. Its to much.

But hey what do Royal CHallenger Bangalore know right. Border cricket is smiling after the 1.5 million being paid to them for Kallis. Hmmm let me see whose opninion I must take some ignorant and fickle South African supporter or the RCB. Let me think on that for a while :D
 
killadoob said:
Shame stephen still feeling a bit upset about the whole kallis sucks at 20/20 argument?

It is a few month on from that, letting go will help you recover faster.

Now we just need kallis out and we will make progress. They are going to drop the 50 over game within the next couple years i reckon. So best get your 20/20 hats on :D.
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We need Boucher out as well.
 
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