Graeme Smith is to retire from international cricket after the current test vs Australia at Cape Town, it is reported this evening.
Unfortunately it looks like his last test as Captain will not be a winning one, as the Aussies have the upper hand at the moment, although he will hold the record for most Test Matches as Captain with 109.
"This has been the most difficult decision I've ever made" he said.
"It's a decision I've been considering since my ankle surgery in April. I have a young family to consider."
Also maybe the fact that as of late his run scoring has been erratic to non existent, so a good time to step away before it gets even worse, although he will remain with Surrey as per the contract he signed in 2012.
This coupled with the loss of Kallis and Mark Boucher does not bode well for South Africa, and there doesn't seem to be much choice as to his replacement as Captain, although AB de Villiers is cited as his probable replacement.