Cricket South Africa has designated Graeme Smith as full-time director of cricket for an initial period of two years until the end of March 2022.
Smith, whose total of 53 wins as Proteas captain from 2003 to 2014, is a Test record, took on the position in a temporary capacity last December before going on to make some changes in the national side’s backroom team.
Mark Boucher took the reins as head coach while two more of Smith’s former South African teammates, Jacques Kallis and Charl Langeveldt, were designated as batting and bowling consultants, respectively.
Smith said My appointment brings a degree of permanency to my position, which makes planning the roadway a lot easier. There is a lot of work that still needs to be done, not just at the international level but throughout our pipeline development paths as well.
#CSAnews CSA today announced the appointment of @GraemeSmith49 as its Director of Cricket in a e-press conference.
More information to follow. pic.twitter.com/yrfQrrHpt1— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 17, 2020
“But I am determined to get South African cricket back to where it belongs as one of the world leaders at the international level.” South African Former Captain said.
South Africa are yet to see a revival on the field following the background upheaval, losing the Test and T20 series against England either side of a stalemate in the one-day internationals.
However, they bounced back from defeat in the T20 series against Australia to a claim a 3-0 whitewash triumph in the ODIs.
CSA acting chief executive Dr. Jacques Faul said: “Graeme has made a significant impact with his energy, expertise, hard work ethic and characteristic determination and passion he has brought to the position during the six months he has served.
“Although there is certainly a great deal of work needs to be done, as reflected by the performances of our various national teams, he has certainly put our cricket on an upward trajectory that provides light at the end of the tunnel.”
