Graeme Smith pondering South Africa comeback
Tuesday 8 December 2015 15:26, UK
Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has revealed he is contemplating an international cricket comeback.
Smith retired following South Africa's series against Australia in March 2014 after making 117 Test appearances, citing a combination of family reasons and a struggle to overcome a recurring ankle problem that required surgery.
The 33-year-old has stayed in cricket and served as tournament director for the Ram Slam T20 tournament in his homeland.
He is currently preparing to play in the Masters Champions League (MCL), which takes place in the United Arab Emirates in January and February, but he admitted on Tuesday that tournament might not be his only future playing concern.
"For me, I'm at the cusp of whether I should play international cricket again or not," Smith told The National.
"I'm 34 now. I retired at 33 and there's always that question mark of whether I can play for another three or four years. I know I can. I'm looking forward to the MCL and take it from there. Who knows the MCL could be a platform back into the international game.
"I get asked this question a lot. It does spend time in your head, especially when you see the boys struggling in India, you think you can contribute, but we'll see. I'll go back, train, prepare and get ready for the MCL."
South Africa were heavily beaten in their recent Test series in India, losing 3-0, and next up is a mouthwatering home series against England.
And Smith is backing Hashim Amla and the rest of the squad to turn things around in what he expects to be an exciting four Tests against Alastair Cook's men, starting on Boxing Day.
"He [Amla] needs time, it's his first challenge as a captain now and how he bounces back from this will speak volumes for him and the team," Smith added.
"I think we need to always give him that opportunity now to bounce back and how he brings the guys through. This England tour now becomes an important challenge for him as a leader.
"It's put us under a little bit of pressure for the end of the year. England's a big tour back in South Africa, four Tests, so the guys need to go back home.
"They've been in India for a very long time, they need to have a bit of fun for a week, see their families, relax, catch their breath, because four Tests against England will be very exciting now."
