DURBAN (South Africa), Jan 13: Captain Graeme Smith paid tribute to retiring all-rounder Shaun Pollock after South Africa wrapped a 2-1 Test series victory against West Indies on Saturday.

“He's an icon, he's up there with South Africa's greatest cricketers,” Smith told a news conference after the hosts won the third Test by an innings and 100 runs on the third day.

“It's very important that people celebrate what he's given to South African cricket and what he has achieved as an individual.

“He has been unbelievably consistent. As a captain, to know what you're going to get from him on any given day is fantastic.

“We're all sad and emotional. When you win a Test series you are buoyant, but there are a few other emotions in the dressing room at the moment. He deserves to be celebrated.”

Pollock announced his retirement after the close on the second day, ending a career of 108 Tests in which he took 421 wickets – the most by a South African.

Smith replaced Pollock as captain after South Africa crashed out of the 2003 World Cup in the first round.

“He gave me incredible support right through my captaincy,” he said. “You couldn't have asked for more from a senior player, and from a guy who had just lost the captaincy.”—Reuters