FORMER South Africa captain Graeme Smith will not return to skipper Surrey County Cricket Club in 2015.
Smith was announced as captain at the Oval in November 2012 ahead of the 2013 season but an ankle injury in May forced the batsman to return to South Africa to receive treatment.
And this summer, nearly exactly a year after Surrey made the announcement about Smith's ankle, they admitted their skipper was once again returning to his homeland, this time because of a knee problem.
Smith had surgery on his knee, and medical experts have strongly advised that the 33-year-old's body will not enable him to fulfil the day to day duties of a full county season.
Despite two summers interrupted by injury, Smith insists he has enjoyed his time at the Oval.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of captaining Surrey but due to my injuries in 2013 and 2014 I have been unable to fulfil my role in achieving the goals that both Surrey and I set out to accomplish when I first arrived," he said.
"I would like to thank Surrey for the way they have looked after me. They have made me feel very welcome and it is very apparent that the current cricket management and personnel in the dressing room are already well on their way to achieving these goals. I will continue to follow the club's progress over the coming years."
