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Proteas captain Smith out of third ODI at Oval

28/08/2008

South Africa captain Graeme Smith has been ruled out of the third one-day international against England because of his ongoing tennis elbow injury.

Smith has been struggling with the problem for much of the summer and has played on by undergoing a course of painkilling injections.

However, the Proteas' selectors have opted not to risk the skipper for Friday's must win match at the Oval - making it increasingly likely he will be ruled out for the entire series.

In Smith's absence, Jacques Kallis looks set to deputise as captain – despite resigning the vice-captaincy last year when he was dropped from the Twenty20 squad.

The all-rounder, who has been horribly out of form in recent games, will also be promoted to open the batting in the third ODI.

England currently lead the series 2-0 with three matches to play.

A victory in south London will ensure they take an unassailable lead to Lord's on Sunday, which in turn would boost the world ranking points for Kevin Pietersen's side and maintain the new captain's 100 per cent record.