“South Africa Is Still Producing Talent, But Unfortunately Hasn’t Translated Into Success” – Graeme Smith

Published - 03 Dec 2022, 07:02 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Graeme Smith, IPL, Cricket South Africa, Cricket Australia, ICC

Cricket South Africa director Graeme Smith [Image Credits: AFP]

Former South Africa National Cricket Team captain Graeme Smith, who is the commissioner of CSA’s T20 league SA20, has opened up on the struggles of the Proteas in recent times.

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa National Cricket Team reached a new low after they were eliminated from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in the Super 12 stage itself. The Proteas faced a heartbreaking 13-run defeat against the Netherlands in a must-win game to get knocked out of the competition.

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Meanwhile, Graeme Smith has said that the country is still producing talented cricketers, but unfortunately, the South Africa National Cricket Team have failed to succeed.

“South Africa is still producing talent, but unfortunately hasn’t translated into success. The leadership at the top of the game certainly has to be stronger. The product has to be stronger. If your domestic product is weak then the gap between your domestic talent and international requirement just grows,” he told News 18 Cricketnext’s Youtube channel.

Graeme Smith further criticised the Proteas Test batting unit, saying that not a single current South Africa Test batter averages 40 and added that during his playing days four batters averaged 50.

“I look at South Africa’s Test batting line up and not one is averaging 40. When I played we had close to four averaging 50.”

If we can give selectors of South African team 25 to 40 players of serious quality, then it’s a game-changer – Graeme Smith

Cricket South Africa Director Graeme Smith — Graeme Smith. (Photo: SkySports)

SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith further said that the Cricket South Africa (CSA) selection committee having 25 to 40 quality players during squad selection would turn out to be a game-changer. He also cited the example of the India National Cricket Team and said that they have a large pool of talented cricketers and they are capable of fielding two quality squads.

“One thing that we want to make sure…that like India, they have so much talent…you are putting out two squads of serious quality there. But look at the performances and the type of players there. I mean if we can give the selectors of the South African team 25 to 40 players of serious quality, then it’s a game changer.”

Meanwhile, SA20, which will be the inaugural edition of Cricket South Africa’s T20 league, is set to be played from January 10 to February 11, 2023. The 6-team tournament is set to have 33 matches.