http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 challenge after paternity dash – Cricket News Update
Just a week after welcoming the arrival of his first child, a cute baby girl – Cadence Christine Smith – the South African Test skipper Graeme Smith has rejoined the Proteas’ fold in England, ahead of the second Test of the three-match series, beginning at Leeds, Headingley, on Thursday, August 2.
"I am very focused on what lies ahead," http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598 said while speaking to media persons on the eve of the second Investec Test, at Headingley. "I was lucky enough to have a lengthy plane trip to put everything into perspective. Spending 14 hours alone gave me time to think about what I'd been through," he added further.
The 31-year-old left-handed top-order batsman had returned home to Cape Town soon after guiding the Proteas to an innings and 12-run victory in the opening Test at The Oval last Monday, to witness the birth of his first child, Cadence, who was born on July 25. After enjoying just four days of fatherhood with his daughter, the Proteas skipper flew back to Leeds, via Amsterdam, on Sunday night, to rejoin the team ahead of the second Test.
Smith admitted that it was an emotional moment for him and his family.
"Anyone in that space will understand it's an emotional moment. Having the support of your family is a key factor in what you are trying to achieve," said the visiting skipper, who missed the two-day tour game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AB-de-Villiers-c887 led the side in the practice match.
Following The Oval triumph, a victory at Leeds would not only allow the tourists clinch the series but also topple the Poms, who took the mantle from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 Test rankings.
Regardless of result, the Leeds bout will allow the Transvaal-born left-handed opener equal http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shaun-Maclean-Pollock-c89847, in 2003, Smith has to date led the side in 92 Tests and is just one game short of Allan Border’s world record of 93 Tests. However, Smith’s win-loss ratio (43-26) is quite impressive than that of his former Australian counterpart (32-22).
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