Cricket
Smith to miss Champs League
2009-09-29 17:34
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Graeme Smith (Gallo Images)
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Johannesburg - Graeme Smith has been withdrawn from the Nashua Cape Cobras squad for the Champions' League tournament starting in India next week.
Cricket South Africa announced the decision on Tuesday on the advice of CSA's medical committee.
"After much discussion and deliberation, the Proteas' management together with the medical committee of Cricket South Africa headed by Dr Shuaib Manjra have made a decision to withdraw Graeme from the upcoming Champions League in India," commented national team manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee.
"This decision is based on Graeme's current upper limb dysfunction," he added.
Team physiotherapist Brandon Jackson said that it was important for Smith to be withdrawn from playing cricket for the next four to six weeks to get him through what was going to be a very long season.
"We need to work on strengthening his muscles around the shoulder area and continue his post-operation rehab," commented Jackson.
"The elbow operation was 100 percent successful and I am confident that he will be ready for action by the start of the England series in November."
Smith said he was very disappointed not to be leading the Cobras in India.
"It is very important for South African cricket that the two franchises representing us in India should do well," he commented, "and, like all the national players, I enjoy playing franchise cricket whenever national circumstances permit."
"I would like to wish the Cobras all the best and I am confident they will represent our country with pride."