Smith moves past Cronje''s ODI captaincy record

Johannesburg, Jan 16 (PTI) Inspirational Graeme Smith hasbecome the most capped South African ODI captain, surpassinglate Hansie Cronje''s record of leading the national team in138 games.

Smith achieved the feat during the second ODI againstIndia at the Wanderers here yesterday.

Smith, who made his captaincy debut at the young age of21 against India at Dhaka in 2003, has so far led South Africato 139 ODIs, one higher than Cronje''s record.

"Graeme Smith''s achievement is outstanding, especiallywhen it is taken into account that he became captain at theage of 21, only after one full season in internationalcricket," Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majolasaid.

"Graeme has more than justified CSA''s faith in hisleadership qualities when he was appointed at such a youngage, and since then he has grown considerably in stature bothas a player and as a captain.

"It is most fitting that he achieves this extraordinarySouth African captaincy record against India eight yearslater," he said.

Majola said under Smith''s leadership, South Africa hasevolved a major force in world cricket

"He has been an essential part of the process that hasmoulded the Proteas into a formidable ODI unit, and the cherryon the top of his captaincy would certainly be bringing theICC World Cup home," the CSA chief said.

"CSA salutes Graeme Smith for what he has done and willcontinue to do for the progress of South African cricket inachieving its aim of becoming a truly national sport ofwinners," Majola added.