Surrey County Cricket Club skipper Graeme Smith is out for the rest of the season with a fractured knee.

The 33-year-old opener, who hit a century in Surrey's last outing in Division Two of the County Championship, has returned to South Africa for treatment.

It is almost a mirror image of last season when, almost a year to the day, Smith was forced home with an ankle injury that ended his 2013 campaign.

Smith has been replaced by his former South Africa team-mate Hashim Amla.

A club statement, made before the confirmation of the diagnosis, said: "Although it is disappointing for Smith and the club, Surrey are happy to announce that his replacement is fellow South African Hashim Amla, who had a short spell at the Kia Oval last season.

"For the next four day game, Smith’s position as captain will be filled by Gary Wilson."

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart added: “While it is obviously a huge blow for Graeme to be heading home, especially after his recent match winning hundred, and with the impact he was having in the dressing room, we are very fortunate to be able to welcome back Hashim for the next month.”