---
title: "Cricket: Smith To Have Ankle Surgery, Could Miss Champions Trophy"
description: "South Africa's test captain Graeme Smith has left English county Surrey and returned to South Africa to have surgery on a chronic ankle problem that has put his participation in next month's ICC Champions Trophy in doubt."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2013-05-09-cricket-smith-to-have-ankle-surgery-could-miss-champions-trophy/"
published: "2013-05-09T02:41:26"
updated: "2013-05-09T02:41:28"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 201
---

# Cricket: Smith To Have Ankle Surgery, Could Miss Champions Trophy

> South Africa's test captain Graeme Smith has left English county Surrey and returned to South Africa to have surgery on a chronic ankle problem that has put his participation in next month's ICC Champions Trophy in doubt.

By Reuters · Published 9 May 2013, 04:41 SAST · Updated 9 May 2013, 04:41 SAST

## Content

Smith has had long-term difficulties with his left ankle that have required surgery in the past and the injury flared up again in the home one-day international series against Pakistan in March.

He started the County Championship season as planned, but Surrey said on their website on Wednesday that the 31-year-old would require more surgery to fix the problem.

Although no time-frame has been put on his recovery, with South Africa's opening game of the Champions Trophy against India on June 6, he is facing a race against time to be fit.

"To have to head home now, so early in my time at Surrey is very frustrating but I leave the team in a good place and hope to be back with them as soon as possible," Smith said on Wednesday.

Surrey team director Chris Adams added: "Graeme has made an impressive start as a leader and the squad have really responded to his leadership.

"It's clearly disappointing for all, especially Graeme, but we wish him a speedy recovery."

Smith has had five innings in the County Championship this season, scoring a modest 120 runs at an average of 30 with just one score over 50. **DM**

*Photo by Reuters.*