Graeme Smith Slams South Africa For Using Proxy Captain During Ranchi Test

Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith took a dig at the current management for using a proxy captain in the third Test against India in Ranchi. However, it didn’t give any relief as the Proteas lost the toss only to bowl again first like the first two Test matches.

Speaking on the eve of the match, Faf du Plessis indicated that he might bring a proxy to change his fortunes during the toss. Thus, he brought Temba Bavuma alongside him in a bid to win the toss after losing it for straight nine matches in Asia.

Bavuma couldn’t even change du Plessis’ luck as Virat Kohli won the toss only to bat first. The script was the same as India have won the toss in the last two matches and put up a heavy total in the first innings to rule South Africa out of the game.

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However, Kagiso Rabada looked in his elements as he has sent India’s top-order packing in the first hour. While he removed Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara, Anrich Nortje got the priceless wicket of Virat Kohli. Having India at 39 for three, the Proteas will hope to restrict India for a low score.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s most successful Test skipper, Graeme Smith looked extremely disappointed with the management’s ploy to send Temba Bavuma for the toss alongside Faf du Plessis. Smith said it reflected the mindset of the visitors who have been struggling in the series.

“It was a quirky moment but for me, it was a little bit pathetic,” Graeme Smith told Star Sports.

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“It just shows the mindset of the South African side. I didn’t enjoy seeing that. I would rather see the South Africa captain stand there, own his position. You know, they are looking at the wrong places for the reasons they have lost the game. Unfortunately, they haven’t played well enough. Yes, winning the toss in the sub-continent is a nice thing to do but if you play well enough, you can still compete,” he added.

South Africa will hope to use the much-needed momentum to restrict India to a low score before taking a massive first-innings lead.

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