The day Graeme Smith batted with a broken hand

The Proteas captain returned at No 11 to give South Africa one final chance of saving the Sydney Test.

Graeme Smith made only three runs in South Africa’s second innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2009. Those runs still belong among the most memorable of his Test career.

The Proteas had already secured their first Test series victory in Australia after remarkable wins in Perth and Melbourne. The final match presented another opportunity, with a clean sweep and the world No 1 ranking within reach.

Smith entered the Test in fine form, having scored a century in Perth and 75 during the successful chase at the MCG. His involvement appeared to end on the third day in Sydney.

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A Mitchell Johnson delivery rose sharply from the deteriorating surface and struck Smith’s glove. The opener retired hurt on 30, with scans later confirming a broken left hand that would keep him out for six weeks.

Australia made 445 before dismissing South Africa for 327. Ricky Ponting then declared the hosts’ second innings on 257-4, setting the Proteas 376 to win.

South Africa entered the final day on 62-1 and without their captain. The target soon became secondary as Australia worked through the middle order on an increasingly difficult pitch.

Paul Harris resisted for 43 balls before Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini added 50 for the ninth wicket. Their stand dragged the match towards its final hour and left Australia running out of time.

Steyn’s dismissal appeared to end the contest. Instead, Smith emerged from the dressing room and walked out at No 11 with his injured hand protected.

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He joined Ntini with fewer than nine overs remaining. Smith could offer little as an attacking batsman, but scoring had ceased to matter. His job was to survive.

The pair negotiated more than six overs as the SCG crowd watched a finish few had expected. Smith faced 17 deliveries during his 26-minute stay, while Ntini remained unbeaten on 28 from 75 balls.

Johnson eventually found a way through, bowling Smith with only 11 deliveries remaining. Australia won by 103 runs, although South Africa claimed the series 2-1.

Smith’s final innings contributed little to the scorecard. It revealed far more about the captain who had led the Proteas to a breakthrough series victory on Australian soil.

Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

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