South Africa captain Graeme Smith introduced his retirement from worldwide cricket on this present day in 2014.
The 33-year-old opener referred to as time on his worldwide profession after 347 matches for his nation.
Smith informed team-mates the information after the shut of play on day three of their remaining Test match with Australia in Cape Town, a match which South Africa went on to lose by 245 runs.
The shock choice got here three months after Jacques Kallis additionally introduced his retirement.
Smith made his first-class debut for his nation on the age of 21 and went on to attain 37 centuries, 27 in Tests and 10 in one-day-internationals.
Smith’s choice to name time on his worldwide profession had no affect on his home cricket, and he continued to play for Surrey.
A recurring ankle damage had disrupted Smith all through his profession and after struggling with type, Smith admitted the choice to stroll away was “the most difficult” he has ever needed to make.
He mentioned: “This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life. It’s a decision that I have been considering since my ankle surgery in April last year.
“I have a young family to consider, and I felt that retiring at Newlands would be the best way to end it because I have called this place home since I was 18 years old.
“I have always been someone who has left everything out there on the field for my team and for my country.
“I’m extremely honoured and proud to have had the privilege to lead so many wonderful players and to have been a part of building the Proteas culture to what it is today. It is a culture that every player can be, and is, immensely proud of.”