Amla replaces injured Smith at Surrey
Surrey have been dealt a heavy blow with the news that skipper Graeme Smith has been ruled out for the rest of the season, and will go home to South Africa for surgery on his fractured right knee.
Surrey have been dealt a heavy blow with the news that skipper Graeme Smith has been ruled out for the rest of the season, and will go home to South Africa for surgery on his fractured right knee.
The former South Africa captain also missed most of the 2013 season for Surrey, with an ankle injury, so his woes in England continue. He will be replaced as skipper by Gary Wilson.
C365 tweeted Surrey directly to ask for a reason for the injury, and they replied: "No specific incident. Pain in knee that got worse in last 10 days. Resulted in scan which revealed fracture."
A statement from the club said: "Surrey captain Graeme Smith has been diagnosed with a fracture in the tibial tuberosity of the right knee and will be returning to South Africa for surgery and may miss the remainder of the season.
"Although it is disappointing for Smith and the club, Surrey are happy to announce that his replacement is fellow South African Hashim Amla, who had a short spell at the Kia Oval last season.
"For the next four day game, Smith's position as captain will be filled by Gary Wilson."
A small consolation for the Oval side is the arrival of Proteas batsman Hashim Amla, who will play for the side for the next month until his duties with the Proteas start again.
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: "While it is obviously a huge blow for Graeme to be heading home, especially after his recent match winning hundred, and with the impact he was having in the dressing room, we are very fortunate to be able to welcome back Hashim Amla for the next month."
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