Graeme Smith goes back to his roots

Mixing with youth has left him refreshed, writes Tristan Holme

Many would say club cricket is the heart and soul of the game, and a return to cricket's roots seems to have rejuvenated Graeme Smith on his way back from his latest injury.

Smith collided with a teammate in an Indian Premier League match in April, and had arthroscopic surgery in July to remove damaged cartilage from his right knee which had failed to heal. The surgery ruled him out of the Cobras' Champions League Twenty20 campaign, leaving him short of match practice for Thursday's Twenty20 against Australia. Then Claremont Cricket Club came to the rescue

A return to the club game has brought the frustrations all too familiar to weekend cricketers, but Smith has taken it in his stride and appears mentally lighter for the experience.

"I was meant to play on Tuesday (for the Western Province amateur side) but it rained overnight and there was a hole in the covers so the game was cancelled," he said, smiling,

Claremont have welcomed Smith with open arms and organised a special middle session on Thursday, during which he was set 35-over and 20-over targets on the hottest day of the Cape spring, with the mercury hovering around 30 degrees.

"It's been five months since I had an open middle practice and a lot has happened since then so it was nice to get some time out there," he said afterwards.

"Personally I was happy with the way it went - the feet moved well and I've hit the ball sweetly so it's been beneficial."

Although he was out twice to right-arm offspinner Sean Potgieter - caught at point and bowled round his legs - and failed to achieve his target in either "chase", the effects of a full afternoon at the crease were clear as he walked off at the end.

While he didn't appear to be a man at peak fitness, Proteas strength and conditioning coach Rob Walters has been staying with South Africa's test captain for the past few weeks and guiding him through the rehabilitation process.

"I've been mountain biking quite a lot and yesterday he (Walters) had me in the forest on the mountain for two hours -something I've never done. I've been trying to work on leg strength without running too much. I feel pretty much fit now."

Interacting with Claremont's players at nets sessions has been mutually beneficial, with Smith refreshed by the youth around him and consequently providing an inspiration.

"He's been great," said club captain Giscard Collard. "The other day he saw the thirds and fourths doing fielding drills and just joined in, which kind of summed up his attitude."