CAPE TOWN: South African Test captain Graeme Smith will miss the ICC Champions Trophy in England in June because of an ankle injury, Cricket South Africa announced yesterday.
A replacement has yet to be named.
Smith will return to South Africa after scans in London Wednesday revealed a stress fracture to his left ankle. Smith will also miss the rest of the season with English county Surrey, who had appointed him captain.
Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: “Graeme has been troubled by left ankle pain over the last few months and despite extensive treatment and physiotherapy, it has recently deteriorated significantly while playing for Surrey.
“He underwent a rescan of his left ankle in London on Wednesday and it was determined that since his last scan the condition has progressed to a stress fracture.
“Surgery will be required and he has been advised to follow a rest-and-rehabilitation programme over the next four to six months.”
Smith captained South Africa in 149 one-day internationals before relinquishing the one-day captaincy to AB de Villiers two years ago.AFP
