Graeme Smith, the former Proteas captain, has denied that he is close to retiring after suffering a right knee injury that cut short his stint with English county side Surrey.

The 33-year-old, who is back in Cape Town where he will undergo surgery, said: ‘I have unfortunately gone there two years in a row and picked up two pretty serious injuries, which curtailed my career at the club. It has been disappointing. The club wants me back. If I can be back this season then that would be good,’ he said.

However, Smith said that for him, it is just about getting the knee done and going through the recovery process, and hopefully in that period, he can decide what the right way forward is for him at the current stage in his career.

Smith’s time in county cricket has been ruined by injury. His first season was last year cut short by a serious ankle injury and he managed just five championship appearances this summer.
‘We have not given him deadline and it is a case of wait and see what he does,’ said Richard Gould, the Surrey chief executive. ‘I suppose it [retirement] is a possibility but we have to wait and see what he does. He has a year left on his contract and we do not want to push him one way or the other.’

The South African had appeared to tweet a farewell to the club last week. ‘Injuries are always tough especially when you feel job is half done. Sad to be leaving @surreycricket today but wish the club and team well. Team is young but has great potential. I look forward to seeing the growth in performance and stature over the next few weeks. It’s been a privilege to be a part of @surreycricket and thank everyone at the club!’