Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Gerald Majola praises Graeme Smith as Captain
Critics in South Africa have shown their concerns over the appointment of Graeme Smith as a Test captain once again, which was defended by Gerald Majola, who is the Cricket South Africa (CSA), Chief Executive.
There was much speculation that Hashim Amla will be leading the South African side but AB de Villiers was appointed as a captain for the shorter version of the game.
The CSA has appointed both white captains, who will lead in all three formats, of the game. The black South Africans, Tsotsobe, and, Loots Bosman, are junior enough but they are part of the team and proving their worth as they are shining stars of the nation, as predicted by Majola.
Earlier, Hashim Amla hailed the appointment of De Villiers as captain in the One Day Internationals and T20 South African side. He wants to be out of the focus and would like to concentrate on his batting, improve his style, which can confirm his place, in the T20 format. He was happy in his new role of vice-captain and will groom himself under the wings of his seniors.
De Villiers has played 119 ODI matches and scored 4523 runs averaging 45.68 runs with 11 centuries and 26 fifties. He took part in 33, T20 matches and earned 604 runs at an average of 23.23 runs with four fifties.
Amla participated in 49 ODIs, scored 2462 runs at an average of 57.25 runs, with eight centuries, and, 14 fifties. He has appeared in just three T20, matches with a total of 53 runs and requires more concentration in such events.
Majola appreciated the appointment of Smith as Test captain and believed he was the best choice:
"Graeme is South Africa's most successful captain ever, having won away Test series in Australia and England and led the team to a World Cup semi-final. He resigned the ODI captaincy after the World Cup so he's no longer in charge for World Cup tournaments. The new coach has specifically recommended that he be retained as Test captain and that has been accepted by the board".
Smith has played 91 Test matches and scored 7457 runs averaging 49.71 runs, with a best of 277 runs, 22 centuries, and, 29 fifties.
Majola has complimented Smith as he has earned respect from his team mates, was able to make them into a fighting unit and believes he will keep on producing the best results for South Africa under the guidance of Gary Kirsten and Allan Donald.
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