3. Graeme Smith:
Just like his colossal figure, Graeme Smith’s stature in Test cricket both as a batsman as well as a captain is second to none. After being handed over the Test captaincy at just 22, Smith scored double centuries in his 11th and 12th Tests, and just his third and fourth as captain in England in 2003 to send a statement of intent.
Though he lived up to the early expectations, finishing his illustrious career as one of the greatest captains of all time.
His batting performance was equally impressive. The burly left-handed batsman played 117 Tests and scored 9265 Test runs at an average of 48.25 with the help of 27 centuries and 38 half-centuries. His highest Test score of 277 came against England.