Graeme Smith cracks big-league cricket

Following on his impressive performances for the Gauteng B-team, Graeme Smith has been included in the Gauteng squad for the Standard Bank Cup matches against log leaders Boland and Griqualand West at the Wanderers on Wednesday and Sunday.

Big things have been predicted for the top-order batsman, highly rated by former South African opener Jimmy Cook, and Smith's introduction comes at a time when Gauteng are without regular captain Clive Eksteen and run-machine Daryll Cullinan, both touring India.

Even if Smith does not play on Wednesday, he is guaranteed to make his senior provincial debut on Sunday in the absence of veteran Kiwi Ken Rutherford, who will be in Ireland on business.

West Indian Kenny Benjamin, who missed Gauteng's last couple of matches due to a groin strain, should be fit for selection for this week's games, in which stand-in captain Adam Bacher will be keen to maintain his winning run as skipper - two out of two - and his prolific form.

They will be aiming for more than that single victory in their bid to finish in the top two, the reward for which is a home semifinal.

Andrew Hall is another Gautenger in a purple patch, with two 50s and his maiden one-day century this season as testimony to his fine form.

Squad

Adam Bacher (capt), Andrew Hall, Ken Rutherford, Graeme Smith, Derek Crookes, Geoffrey Toyana, Nic Pothas, Zander de Bruyn, Solly Ndima, Neil Fusedale, Justin Engelke, Kenny Benjamin, Johnson Mafa.