Durban: Young opening batsman Graeme Smith will succeed Shaun Pollock as the South African skipper, a top cricket official said on Sunday. The United Cricket Board of South Africa will make an official announcement to this effect later in the day. "Smith of Western Province was picked by the national selectors to replace Shaun Pollock. His appointment was approved by the National Cricket Council of the Cricket Board," CEO of KwaZulu-Natal cricket Cassim Docrat told. The 22-year-old Smith, who was not even considered for the World Cup side initially but called later to replace the injured Jonty Rhodes, is understood to have been chosen because of his aggressive and strong personality as a cricketer. He is also young and has many years ahead of him. Smith's first task will be to lead South Africa in the Sharjah tournament and the tour to Bangladesh later this month. Pollock was relieved of his post on Saturday but was retained in the side which has come under a lot of flak for its early ouster from the World Cup. It is understood that the position of Mark Boucher as vice-captain is also not certain but the national selectors will make a fresh appointment only after the team returns from its tours of Sharjah and Bangladesh. Extras:
Pollock sacked, replacement to be named on Mar 16

Tags: cricket, world cup 2003, graeme smith, shaun pollock, united cricket board of south africa, western province, national cricket council of the cricket board, " cassim docrat, jonty rhodes, mark boucher.