Former Proteas skipper Graeme Smith hints at international comeback

Dubai, December  8 - Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has hinted at considering a return to international cricket, saying the 0-3 Test series rout of the Proteas in India had triggered thoughts of a comeback to the national side.

Hosts India defeated the Proteas by 337 runs in the fourth and final Test to win the series 3-0 at the Ferozeshah Kotla in New Delhi on Monday.

Chasing a mammoth target of 481 runs, the visitors were bowled out for 143.

India won the first Test by 108 runs at Mohali and the third match by 124 runs in Nagpur. The second match at Bengaluru was rained off.

Smith, retired from international cricket at the beginning of last year, but conceded that he could use the Master Champions League (MCL) cricket tournament in the United Arab Emirates next year for his comeback.

“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,” Smith was quoted as saying by The National newspaper on Monday.

“For me, I’m at the cusp of whether I should play international cricket again or not. I’m 34 now, I retired at 33, there’s always that question mark of whether I can play for another 3-4 years. I know I can. But, it’s just about ... I’m at the cusp. I’m looking forward to the MCL and take it from there,” the 34-year-old said.

Smith has been designated Legend player for the Virgo Super Kings franchise in MCL.