LONDON, Aug 2: South Africa captain Graeme Smith was always destined for greatness, according to team mate Gary Kirsten.

Kirsten, who made a century against England in the second Test at Lord’s on Friday while Smith became the fourth man to score double hundreds in consecutive Tests, said: “He is just really hungry for big runs.

“When he gets in, he cashes in — a hundred is just not enough. People need to take a look at this guy. He’s doing something special.

“I have been around in Western Province with Graeme when he started his career and we all knew he was destined for greatness.”

Kirsten conceded there had been criticism when Smith was made captain of South Africa at the age of 22 after a disappointing World Cup earlier this year, but added: “He has put himself in the fire and has responded unbelievably well.

“There’s no doubt he can go the distance and really make a difference.”

South Africa had ended the second day at Lord’s on 412 for two with a first-innings lead of 239 and Smith, the youngest skipper in the team’s history, on 214 not out. He made 277 and 85 in the first Test.

Smith told a news conference: “When I got to 200, it was the most emotional I have been so far. I couldn’t stop smiling, I couldn’t control myself. It was the most magnificent feeling I have ever had.”—Reuters