Graeme Smith: Batting Whilst Broken

This post is the first in a series of planned posts exploring the ‘bravest’ test innings in cricket history. First up… Graeme Smith

Late on the 7th January 2009, the final test of the three match Australia VS South Africa series saw one of the most courageous moments in cricketing history.

Following the dismissal of South Africa’s 9th wicket, the crowd inside the Sydney Cricket Ground collectively turned their attention towards the South African dressing room expectantly. They were not disappointed as cameras panned towards South African captain, Graeme Smith, striding down the stairs towards the middle. Thunderous applause erupted around the ground, the crowd showing their utmost respect towards the big man.

Australia had started the test brilliantly, notching up a first innings total of 445. After a good start to South Africa’s reply, Smith was struck by a Mitchell Johnson delivery, breaking the little finger in his left hand.

It was clear that he was in trouble, being left unable to put his glove back on. Speaking to Supersport in reflection of the match, Smith reveals “I kept trying to get my glove on so I could try and bat again but I couldn’t. The knuckle was just gone”. Showing a mixture of pain and disappointment, Smith retired hurt. X-rays revealed he had broken his fifth metacarpal. Smith had already been struggling with chronic tennis elbow in his other arm, having to have injections of his own blood into the joint. Pain was nothing new to Smith, but this was far too serious to ignore; a period on the side-line was necessary.

South Africa replied to Australia’s mammoth first innings score with 327, a long way adrift. Australia capitalised by going on the attack, declaring on the final day with 257/4 and leaving South Africa with a target of 314 for victory. Drama then ensued - South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals until only the perceived final pair of Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn were left. All seemed lost.

However, the two tail-enders battled hard toiling for 75 minutes before Steyn was struck on the pads and was subsequently given out lbw. The moment of magic then happened as Smith walked out to the crease, broken but not defeated.

Smith had brought no kit to the ground, except a pair of trousers he was using to protect his bats. A shirt from Jacques Kallis and Paul Harris’ stained pull over were borrowed. Morne Morkle helped with his pads and shoe laces.

“He took off the plastic cast that had been protecting the fifth finger on his left hand and a re-modelled glove was put on instead. There were no pain killers” - ESPNcricinfo.

Batting is difficult at the best of times - facing a bowler of the calibre of Mitchell Johnson, who delivered the ball at speeds between 140 and 150 km/h (85 – 93 mph), with two fully functioning hands, is testing enough. Now factor in the dry and cracked Sydney pitch, which made things like the height the ball bounce unpredictable, plus the possibility for the ball to violently swerve off of the seam randomly, makes batting a serious test of skill and concentration. Imagine attempting this with one broken hand and one hand with very limited functionality due to an elbow injury. It becomes seemingly impossible to get through just one ball. This is what Graeme Smith was about to face, a seemingly impossible challenge.

8.2 overs or 34 minutes had to be survived to salvage a draw. Smith prioritised defence and blocked deliveries well, grimacing and letting go of the bat after each ball, clearly experiencing a great deal of pain. Ntini survived a late scare as Matthew Hayden, a usually reliable catcher, dropped a glanced shot in the slips. Victory was slipping away from Australia. But with 11 balls left Mitchell Johnson finally made the breakthrough, his delivery hitting a crack outside Smith’s off stump and jagging back violently to knock him over. He had come so close, but Smith’s heroics couldn’t prevent defeat.

Despite this he was hailed for his courage and determination. Australia captain Ricky Ponting showered Smith in praise, stating that the traits he displayed were what everyone looks for in a leader, as well as calling it “one of the most courageous things he had ever seen on a cricket field”. Speaking after the match, Smith was asked when the decision that he would bat was made. “I made the decision to go out just before Makhaya (Ntini) went out to bat”. ESPNcricinfo quotes Smith; “I just decided to give it my best shot. If I got a first baller, at least I tried, that was what was going through my head”.

Graeme Smith, for over a decade was seen as one of the bravest men in cricket. Through determination and an unwillingness to accept defeat, Smith’s inspirational display remains in the hearts and minds of cricket fans all over the world and stands as a testament to what is possible through willpower and a positive mental outlook.