Smith returns to competitive cricket

South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith, batted for the first time in a competitive match since undergoing a knee operation in July. Smith was ruled out of the Cape Cobras squad for the Champions League to complete rehabilitation on his knee, which he injured while playing for the Pune Warriors in April this year.

Smith collided with Rahul Sharma while fielding against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala and had to bat with a runner, a practice that has subsequently been outlawed, later in the match. He played two more games for Pune but left the competition before its completion. Smith complained of discomfort after that, went under the knife and started batting against the hard ball in mid-August.

It was only on Saturday that Smith was able to get some game time, during a 20-over match for Claremont Cricket Club against Belville in Cape Town. He occupied the crease for seven overs and scored 20 runs, including two fours. "It was great to be back in the middle," Smith said. "I hit some nice straight and cover drives and it was also important to start running sharply between the wickets again."

He is due to play another T20 game for Claremont next weekend and may turn out for his provincial side Western Province midweek. There is no opportunity for Smith to play franchise cricket because the Cobras' first fixture of the season is on October 13, the same day as South Africa begin their series against Australia.

Smith stepped down as T20 captain in August last year and as ODI captain after World Cup but remains available for selection in all three formats. His presence will be a much-needed one after AB de Villiers, who named Smith's successor in limited-overs formats, broke his finger and was ruled out of the T20 and ODI series. There has been some talk of Smith returning to the captaincy, but that seems unlikely with Hashim Amla, the appointed vice-captain, waiting in the wings.