Ponting says Smith's grit in SCG Test, the bravest thing he has ever seen

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has said that Graeme Smith's decision to come out to bat on the last day of the SCG Test with a broken finger, is the bravest thing he has ever seen.

Smith had to be dressed by teammates before batting in extreme pain with a broken left hand and a busted right elbow to try to salvage a draw in an amazing climax to the SCG Test.

His incredible effort was ultimately in vain but he felt the jarring pain of 17 balls in 26 minutes before being bowled by Mitchell Johnson with only 10 balls left in fading light.

South Africa's Captain Courageous was in so much pain he was not even able to lift the trophy after play to celebrate South Africa's historic 2-1 series win in Australia.

Ponting went to Smith on the ground and told his opposite number it was one of the bravest things he had ever seen on a sporting field.

"I said that to him after the game. That showed a lot of courage. That's what every team looks to from their leader. To show that fighting spirit, to stand up when needed, to get out and do a job no matter how sore or tired you might be," the Courier Mail quoted Ponting, as saying.

Smith borrowed Jacques Kallis's shirt and a hamburger-stained sweater from Paul Harris and revealed he had not taken any pain medication.

"I didn't expect to go out. I think deep inside I didn't really want to go out there. I had Morne (Morkel) dressing me and putting my shoes on and putting on my pads. I decided I was going to go and give it my best shot, if I got a first-baller at least I tried," Smith said.

Spin king Shane Warne couldn't believe his eyes when Smith turned up at the crease: "It was just unbelievable when he did that. That was just amazing courage to stand there for his team."

Smith gave Australia many nervous moments before they could savour the win just six minutes from the scheduled close of play. (ANI)

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