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[uknsaunders]

At the risk of slightly overlapping other topics, I thought it would be interesting to see why Smith did retire and his career options going forward. We know he has an Irish Wife and has 2 years remaining on his Surrey contract. I imagine he is getting 100k+ for his Surrey efforts but he must be taking a wage cut to retire? What do people think his career path is now?

[TangoWhiskey]

At the risk of slightly overlapping other topics, I thought it would be interesting to see why Smith did retire and his career options going forward. We know he has an Irish Wife and has 2 years remaining on his Surrey contract. I imagine he is getting 100k+ for his Surrey efforts but he must be taking a wage cut to retire? What do people think his career path is now?

I would imagine only playing county cricket frees up 6 months of the year for him to spend with his wife and kids. Some things are more important. I'll agree that you are a long time retired but he can probably carry on playing for Surrey for years.

[13th Man]

At the risk of slightly overlapping other topics, I thought it would be interesting to see why Smith did retire and his career options going forward. We know he has an Irish Wife and has 2 years remaining on his Surrey contract. I imagine he is getting 100k+ for his Surrey efforts but he must be taking a wage cut to retire? What do people think his career path is now?

Future Irish player! 

[uknsaunders]

I would imagine only playing county cricket frees up 6 months of the year for him to spend with his wife and kids. Some things are more important. I'll agree that you are a long time retired but he can probably carry on playing for Surrey for years.

I agree and suspect some of his sponsorship contracts will continue as he will still be a "big name" in SA/UK. He probably isn't losing out to the same extent as a journeyman international cricketer, if such a thing exists. Can't see him doing much t20 but wouldn't be surprised if he "settles" in the UK. More opportunities and networking for anything he wants to do outside cricket.

[uknsaunders]

Future Irish player! 

He has a dual passport but I would be very surprised. Strikes me as SA forever!

[ProWannabe88]

Player / Coach / Head Coach / Future SA Coach / TV Pundit / Ambassador

[19reading87]

Graeme Smiths wife is unbelievably HOT!!!! If I was him I'd be making more babies

[mussaduq]

Smith said that he wanted a future in SA Cricket !

[uknsaunders]

Smith said that he wanted a future in SA Cricket !

Which I'm sure he will do with a couple of all expenses paid for business trips in the winter and remotely during the summer from his Surrey Penthouse 

[ajmw89]

Probably spending time with his young family, beefing up his retirement fund at surrey.
Once the kids get a bit older, he'll probably end up in coaching.  Not a voice I'd want to hear on commentary!

[ProWannabe88]

Graeme Smiths wife is unbelievably HOT!!!! If I was him I'd be making more babies

If I married Morgan Deane I wouldn't be doing much of anything other than OGLING AND FONDLING!

[uknsaunders]

Graeme Smiths wife is unbelievably HOT!!!! If I was him I'd be making more babies

Have I taught you nothing - making children is the last thing you want to do if you want a sex life.

[ProWannabe88]

Id be very surprised if GS didn't play for a few more years then move his family out to SA where his pennies would go further and the standard of living they could have in that climate would be far greater than anything in London.

[jamielsn15]

He said on interview that his daughter's been in hospital - I suspect the whole work/life balance thing played a big part in his decision to retire at this time.  I must admit (before hearing about his family) I thought he'd step down as skipper and go back into the ranks.

Unbelievable strength of character to captain your country so young and so inexperienced and to do it for 10+ years - phenomenal.  He has my utmost respect for that and for proving the coaches and experts wrong re; his technique.

The romanticist in me would love to see him captain Ireland in their first test match in 2019 - he'd be in his late thirties by then but what a story that would be and what a player to have leading you out against England at Lord's.  The realist in me says he'll play for a couple of years at Surrey, then take up a role with CSA that allows him the time with his family.

[uknsaunders]

Id be very surprised if GS didn't play for a few more years then move his family out to SA where his pennies would go further and the standard of living they could have in that climate would be far greater than anything in London.

also a good shout. Even with injuries I reckon he's got at least 3-5 years first class cricket left in him.

Can't help thinking that having an Irish wife (as opposed to an SA wife) is a game changer. In as much as I imagine she will want to be closer to her family than at present. They might live 6 months in the UK and 6 months in SA - the summer bits naturally. Wouldn't also keep up his media exposure in SA and overseas. Might also allow him to take up the SA Coaching job sometime in the future.