South Africa captain Graham Smith announced his retirement from international cricket on this day in 2014.
The then 33-year-old opening batsman ended his international career after playing 347 games for his country.
Smith broke the news to his teammates after the third day of the final Test match against Australia in Cape Town. In this match, South Africa lost by 245 points.
This shock decision came three months after Jacques Kallis also announced his retirement.
Smith made his first-class debut for his country at the age of 21 and went on to score 37 centuries, 27 in Tests and 10 in One-Day Internationals.
Smith's career has been hampered by repeated ankle injuries, and he revealed how he decided to retire after struggling with his form.
He said: “This was the most difficult decision I've ever had to make in my life. It's a decision I've been considering since my ankle surgery last April.
“I have a young family to consider and I have called this place home since I was 18 so I felt that retiring to Newlands was the best way to end my family.
“I've always been someone who left everything on the field for my team and my country.
“I am extremely honored and proud to have led so many great players and helped build the Proteas culture that we have today. This is a culture that every player can be proud of. ”
Smith was scheduled to continue playing for Surrey, but chose not to complete his three-year contract in 2015 after undergoing knee surgery.
