Births on February 1

Graeme Smith, South African cricketer

Graeme Craig Smith, born on 1 February 1981, stands as a towering figure in South African cricket history. Renowned as a former cricketer who represented his nation across all three formats – Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) – he has transitioned seamlessly into a respected cricket commentator and, notably, a former administrator for Cricket South Africa (CSA).

A Transformative Captaincy: Leading from the Front

In 2003, at the remarkably young age of just 22 years and 82 days, Graeme Smith was appointed captain of the South African national cricket team, taking the reins from the experienced Shaun Pollock. This pivotal decision made him South Africa's youngest ever captain, a testament to his innate leadership qualities and strategic vision that would define an entire era of Proteas cricket. He remarkably held the prestigious position of Test captain until his international retirement in 2014, a tenure that underscored his immense influence and stability at the helm.

• Unprecedented Longevity: Smith captained South Africa in an unparalleled 108 Test matches, a world record that solidifies his status as the most capped Test captain in the history of the sport. His leadership was characterized by resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, steering the team through numerous highs and lows.
• Early Impact: His captaincy began with an immediate and unforgettable impact, particularly during South Africa's tour of England in 2003. Displaying incredible batting prowess and leadership under pressure, Smith notched up consecutive double centuries in Test matches: a magnificent 277 runs at Edgbaston, followed by an equally impressive 259 at Lord's.
• Lord's Record: His monumental score of 259 at Lord's, the hallowed "Home of Cricket," remains the highest individual score by any foreign player at this iconic venue, a record that speaks volumes of his ability to perform on the biggest stages.

A Dominant Opening Batsman and Record-Breaker

A tall, commanding left-handed opening batsman, Graeme Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest openers of all time. His physical presence at the crease, combined with his mental fortitude, set the tone for the South African innings consistently. Beyond his captaincy records, his batting achievements are equally impressive.

• 9,000 Test Runs Milestone: On 24 October 2013, in his 112th Test match, Smith achieved a significant personal milestone by completing 9,000 runs in Test cricket. He became only the second South African batsman, after the legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis, and the 12th overall in the world to reach this elite batting landmark.
• Prolific Opening Partnerships: Smith's career was also defined by his exceptional opening partnerships, most notably with Herschelle Gibbs. Their combination formed South Africa's most prolific ever opening partnership, characterized by strong starts and aggressive stroke play. Their synergy resulted in 14 century stands, a South African record for any wicket.
• Unique Partnership Distinction: Smith holds the unique distinction of having been part of all four of South Africa's opening partnerships exceeding 300 runs in Test history. In three of these colossal stands, he was partnered by Herschelle Gibbs.
• World Record Opening Stand: His most remarkable partnership came in 2008 when he combined with Neil McKenzie against Bangladesh, forging an extraordinary 415-run stand for the first wicket. This remains the highest first-wicket partnership ever recorded in the history of Test cricket, a testament to his enduring power at the top of the order.

Career Milestones and Retirement

Graeme Smith's career was punctuated by several personal milestones, showcasing his longevity and consistent performance at the highest level:

• 100th Test Match: He played his 100th Test match against England on 19 July 2012, a significant achievement for any cricketer.
• 100th Test as Captain: On 1 February 2013, coincidentally his 32nd birthday, Smith achieved another unparalleled feat by captaining his 100th career Test match against Pakistan. He remains the only player in the history of cricket to captain a side in 100 Test matches.
• International Retirement: On 3 March 2014, during the challenging third Test against Australia, Smith announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a stellar and impactful career.
• English County Cricket: Beyond his international duties, Smith also had a successful stint as the overseas player and captain for the English county side Surrey, further demonstrating his leadership and batting prowess in diverse conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Graeme Smith

When was Graeme Smith appointed South Africa's captain?

Graeme Smith was appointed captain of the South African national cricket team in 2003, at the age of 22.

What Test captaincy record does Graeme Smith hold?

He holds the world record for captaining the most Test matches, having led South Africa in 108 Tests.

What is Graeme Smith's highest Test score at Lord's?

His highest Test score at Lord's is 259, which is also the highest score by any foreign player at the venue.

Who was Graeme Smith's most famous opening partner?

His most famous and successful opening partner was Herschelle Gibbs, with whom he formed South Africa's most prolific opening pair.

Did Graeme Smith set any world records with his batting partnerships?

Yes, in 2008, Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie set a world record for the highest first-wicket partnership in Test history, scoring 415 runs against Bangladesh.

What has Graeme Smith done since retiring from playing?

After retirement, Graeme Smith has worked as a prominent cricket commentator and served as the Director of Cricket for Cricket South Africa (CSA) from December 2019 to March 2022.