Smith out of ODIs

2009-01-01 13:37

London - SA skipper Graeme Smith is to return home after the final Test against Australia in a bid to recover from a chronic elbow injury, Sky Sports and the BBC report.

The Proteas wrapped up the three-Test series with an emphatic nine wicket win in Melbourne.

Smith will miss the two Twenty20 internationals and five ODI matches against Australia.

"We have decided to send Graeme home after [the] Sydney [Test] to give him the best chance of getting ready for the home series," coach Mickey Arthur said.

The three-game home Tests series against the men from Down Under begins in February.

Arthur said Smith had been in a lot of pain during first two Tests and it was amazing that he had continued to lead the team so well.

"He is four or five cortisone injections down the line.

We thought the cortisone was going to work, but that is not going to be the case," Arthur said.

Johan Botha will captain the side in place of Smith.

- News24