Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Smith will miss Champions League

South Africa captain Graeme Smith
Smith was in brilliant form against England on Sunday

South Africa captain Graeme Smith has pulled out of next month's Champions League Twenty20 tournament in order to ensure he is fit to face England.

Smith, who plays for the Cape Cobras, has been struggling with a leg injury, despite scoring 141 in a losing cause against England on Sunday.

The inaugural Champions League gets under way on 8 November, with the Cobras in action against Bangalore.

England's 10-week tour begins with a warm-up game on 6 November.

The tour includes two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals and four Tests.

Smith is set to miss the next four to six weeks as he recovers from the injury.

"After much discussion and deliberation, the Proteas' management, together with the medical committee of Cricket South Africa, have made a decision to withdraw Graeme from the upcoming Champions League in India," said national team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

"This decision is based on Graeme's current upper limb dysfunction."

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