Thought I'd start this thread to praise Graeme Smith on what an exemplary display of not only leadership, but sportsmanship and determination he has displayed this summer. In the programme I received when I went to day 1 of the Oval Test, it had a picture of something called "Smith's secret fridge notes" which is a sheet of paper he stuck on his fridge when he was 19 that someone managed to get hold of, showing all his short, medium and long term goals in his career and his life - there were about 15-20 things on the list, and he has already accomplished every single one of them, the last of which was captaining South Africa. That man is more driven to succeed than anyone I have ever seen. Not only that, but he would not appear to have let his determination to succeed affect his character one bit. He has led his team brilliantly this summer, and has dealt well with the fact that they did not enjoy the success they deserved for some excellent performances. They would have won at Edgbaston if not for the rain, and could quite conceivably have passed 700 in their first innings (if not for day 2's abandonment) - thanks largely to Smith's incredible 277. They crushed England at Lord's and Headingley, and did not disgrace themselves in the matches they did lose, despite the loss of several key players at various points over the summer. Over the course of this summer he has been inundated with media interference, along with rumours of a split in the camp after the ODIs, and his handling of the media has been akin to that of a man who has been captain for 6 years, never mind 6 months. There is a certain Steve Waugh-like intensity to the way he does everything - the way he encourages his players in the field, the way he bats, the way he is relentless in his pursuit of victory, the way he talks passionately to the media about his captaincy and how much it means to him - all the actions of a man who is 300% confident in his own ability to lead his side to victory. I have been fortunate enough to meet the man twice this summer, after the tour match at Taunton where he scored 152, and after day 1 at the Oval. On both occasions he has been friendly, courteous, and more than willing to sign autographs and socialise with the public - even encouraging his less accommodating team-mates (cough....Charl Willoughby...cough cough) to do so. And the guard of honour his team formed for Alec Stewart was one of the greatest displays of respect and gratitude towards a fellow sportsman and for his achievements I have seen. I am only 16, and therefore look forward to growing up with the career of a man who is just about the ideal role model for young cricketers worldwide unfolding before my eyes. Thank you South Africa for providing World Cricket with a future giant of the game, and thank you Graeme Smith for providing English supporters with a wonderful summer of Test cricket. OK, this post has gone on far too long - I'll shut up now.
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The Graeme Smith Appreciation Thread (From an England Fan)
- Thread starter Fred Jr
- Start date
Mr Mxyzptlk
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As I've said before, it's all well and good the runs that he scored in the 1st and 2nd Test, but where did he go from there? It's sort of like Daren Ganga v Australia earlier this year. Needless to say, he's more than likely disappointed.
marc71178
Eyes not spreadsheets
Pure and Simple Liam, England worked out how to bowl to him.
Remember his 2nd 200 should've been 8, and after that he fell away somewhat alarmingly.
Much kudos to Smith however (along with Vaughan and Hussain) for helping to make the series one of the most keenly contested, yet friendly series in a long time.
Remember his 2nd 200 should've been 8, and after that he fell away somewhat alarmingly.
Much kudos to Smith however (along with Vaughan and Hussain) for helping to make the series one of the most keenly contested, yet friendly series in a long time.
Langeveldt
Soutie
Well im somewhat down at South Africas latest performance, but time is a great healer and im sure i will look back on this series as one of the best ive seen... So credit to Smith for being a great ambassador for SA cricket, and the game in general.. And also to two teams who refused to be seperated...
roofromoz
School Boy/Girl Cricketer
I was reading an article yesterday in Inside Sport (Australian sporting magazine) about what is wrong with sport in South Africa, particularly with its cricket. It focused on its "arrogance and mediocrity", and then went on to say that someone like Graeme Smith has the potential to change that because of his hard nosed approach and "never satisfied" mantra. I heard enough down here about his performances in England recently, and he is very much like Steve Waugh - likes to lead from the front by setting the example and getting the best out of his players.
As long as players like Smith are playing for South Africa, I reckon that they could finally be on the same level as Australia, and matches against the two countries will be the showdowns that they have been threatening to be for years.
Cricket in South Africa can only go forward with Smith.
As long as players like Smith are playing for South Africa, I reckon that they could finally be on the same level as Australia, and matches against the two countries will be the showdowns that they have been threatening to be for years.
Cricket in South Africa can only go forward with Smith.
Neil Pickup
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Darryl "bowled Warne 0" Cullinan has shot his mouth off about Smith, saying he talks too much and delivers too little.
Darryl, did mummy ever tell you the one about Pots and Kettles?
Darryl, did mummy ever tell you the one about Pots and Kettles?
Langeveldt
Soutie
Darryl has always been a class act (cept when he was "mentally disintegrated" by australia) but its plain to see that he was wrong about smith...Neil Pickup said:
Langeveldt
Soutie
I disagree, but I wouldnt expect anything else from the Australian media anyway...roofromoz said:
gibbsnsmith
State Vice-Captain
There really is not much need for me to say anything about Smith as i doubt theres anyone on the forums who disagrees the due credit he deserves.
Ever since he burst into the scene, i have been impressed with him, admittedly i didnt understand why a more or less unknown player had come kin to open for someone like Gary Kirsten but he has justified his selection a huge amount...
Ever since he burst into the scene, i have been impressed with him, admittedly i didnt understand why a more or less unknown player had come kin to open for someone like Gary Kirsten but he has justified his selection a huge amount...
Mr Mxyzptlk
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...which would tend to be someone stationed in South Africa, not necessarily a South African.roofromoz said:
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gibbsnsmith
State Vice-Captain
lol
what exactly has he done not to receive respect
what exactly has he done not to receive respect
Langeveldt
Soutie
Craig said:
Hahahaha! Its amazing what a few months can do isnt it!
Mr Mxyzptlk
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No, because Ponting is actually good.....Mr. Ponting said: