Amid great expectations at the Oval... Graeme Smith makes just 2 on his debut innings for Surrey
South African great had kept the faithful waiting
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Today at the Oval was about one man: South Africa's titanic Graeme Smith. Yesterday, the hardy locals sat through 96 overs watching the wrong South African as Alviro Petersen composed a fine innings of 167. Today they were kept waiting for another 13 in anticipation of the sight that has kept their cockles warm throughout the dank winter months, that of Smith striding, all Protean girth, across the outfield and to the crease.
As if sensing the crowd's growing ripples of frustration with each delivery that failed to break Somerset's stubborn last-wicket resistance, Smith took matters into his own hands. He switched the previously lacklustre Stuart Meaker to the Pavilion End; Meaker found the edge; and Smith clung on with customary nonchalance to claim the final scalp.
With ball still in hand he marched off into the bowels of The Oval to clad himself in the batsman's battle armour. The consummate tease, Smith sent his young apprentice Rory Burns out to take the first over; having waited over a decade for a debut of such significance (Mark Ramprakash's in 2001), the Surrey faithful were prepared to wait out six more dots.
Then came the moment. First ball: on his pads. Result: leg-side clip. Warm applause was the answer to the sight of which English cricket fans have become long accustomed. It was to be repeated just once more before Peter Trego, possibly the slowest opening bowler on the county circuit, found some extra movement. Smith hung out his bat, hung himself out to dry - snaffled at second slip - and a silence hung all around.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments