Smith inspires Lorgat Jr.

While Graeme Smith was making his comeback from injury in a club match, his opening batting partner suffered a reversal of fortune. Zaheer Lorgat, son of ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, had an enjoyable time at the crease with the South African Test captain, but a nasty time in the field.

He dived to save a boundary and landed against the sightscreen, cutting his knee open in the process. Dr Shuaib Manjra, who is head of CSA’s medical committee, and was attending the match to assess Smith’s fitness, found himself with another job to do. He took Lorgat to the hospital and saw to it that he received a dozen stitches.

Lorgat said his son was in severe pain having sustained quite a big gash, but enjoyed the experience of being the in the same XI as Smith. “He was very excited to play with Smith and it shows what the big names can do to inspire young players,” Lorgat senior said.