Graeme Smith set to lead Somerset
Somerset are set to announce that they have signed two South Africans - Graeme Smith and Albie Morkel - as their overseas players for the 2005 season
Cricinfo staff
31-Aug-2005
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Smith, who captains South Africa on their tour of India starting this week, has been linked with the county for several weeks, and news that he was just waiting for South African board approval before confirming was not a surprise. It is expected that he will replace Michael Burns as Somerset captain.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for me and Albie, and playing county cricket is something I have always wanted to do," Smith told Reuters. "My first loyalties are to South African cricket and the UCB, and they have yet to approve the deal," he added. "I'm hopeful they will see it as beneficial for all of us."
The intention is that Smith would join Somerset in May, straight after South Africa have finished their tour of the Caribbean.
Morkel, an allrounder who bowls right-arm fast-medium and bats left-handed, has played three one-day internationals for South Africa. New coach, Ray Jennings, is a big fan and recently predicted that he would become a world-class allrounder.