“He’s got good know-how about Test cricket and we’ve got a lot of youngsters who can draw on that”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith will work with the Proteas as a batting consultant for the remainder of the Test series against England.

Smith was working as a commentator during the first Test in Durban, which South Africa lost by 241 runs, and he was unimpressed with the Proteas’ performance with the bat.

“Graeme was a wonderful cricketer for South Africa and a wonderful captain,” South Africa skipper Hashim Amla said. “When you win or lose a cricket game you are either going to be praised or there is criticism.

“That’s just the nature of international sport. When people criticise the team there’s going to be some value in it. You take it on the chin and move on. Wherever there is value that can be added you’ve got to take it.”

Amla admitted that Smith’s advice would be crucial as South Africa have managed to score 200 or more in just three of their last 10 completed innings.

“Graeme can give guidance to the batters, which he already has today,” Amla said. “It is a confidence type of thing. You’ve got to almost refresh what the processes are that made you successful.

“Graeme knows more than most how tough it is to play cricket and how it is to go through tough times.

“Early in his career there were a few crushing defeats and he is well aware of how difficult it is and how important it is for a team to reassess and get back. He’s got good know-how about Test cricket and we’ve got a lot of youngsters who can draw on that.”