http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Smith-c1473 excited at signing for Surrey – Cricket News Update
South Africa’s Test captain Graeme Smith is excited about his new role with the Surrey County Cricket Club, both as top order batsman as well as skipper.
The 31-year-old left-handed batsman, who on Thursday penned a three-year deal at the Kia Oval, told the media reporters after the singing that he was excited to be joining such a professional team, however he made it clear that playing for South Africa remains his top priority.
"I’m excited about what we can achieve at Surrey going forward and would like to state very clearly that I will balance my new role alongside my continuing commitments to the Proteas and I look forward to continuing to represent my country for many years to come," said http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598, a veteran of 102 Tests and 186 One Day Internationals.
"I would like to thank Surrey County Cricket Club and Cricket http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 for giving me the opportunity to lead the side and make it possible," he added further.
The Transvaal-born left-hander has been captain of South Africa since 2003, and has most recently led the Proteas to the top of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sussex-c852, following the death of friend and teammate Tom Maynard, in June this year.
Richard Thompson, the chairman of Surrey CCC described the deal as a “hugely important” signing for the club.
"Wherever Graeme has played in the past he has left a superb leadership legacy and I have no doubt he will do the same at http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Thompson-c93900 after signing the three-year deal with Smith.
Smith has also played for county sides http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Allan-Robert-Border-c43726 as the most capped Test skipper.
He will join the Surrey squad after the home series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 in March next year, ahead of the 2013 county season.
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