Graeme Smith should make a comeback to the Proteas and take over the captaincy from Hashim Amla.
Smith said on Tuesday he was considering returning to international cricket and I think he should make a real attempt to come back.
Smith mentioned the possibility two months ago when he and Kevin Pietersen visited me and asked what I thought. I told him at 34 he was still young enough to play for another three years at the highest level.
I think he retired too early. There is no doubt he can still add value to South African cricket. South Africa can do with his maturity and experience. I thought Hashim Amla’s captaincy was poor in India. Smith should get cracking and find a local franchise to play four-day cricket for. I don’t think his age is an issue.
A lot has been said already of possible team selections for the England series and I would definitely make a few changes to the team who lost so badly in India.
Having said that, I don’t think there is competition for places from domestic players. I am quite surprised that someone like Stephen Cook hasn’t got a chance yet. I would like to see him included in the Test squad for England but would like to see Temba Bavuma get another chance in the first Test.
I was reasonably impressed with Bavuma opening the batting in New Delhi, although he did bat on a pitch that was far more batting friendly than the ones Stiaan van Zyl struggled on.
Quinton de Kock should come back for this series and either open the batting or bat at No 7.
Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy must be under real pressure to keep their places against England. Both have had a lot of opportunities over the years but I think it’s time to give other guys an opportunity.
Rilee Rossouw, if he is fit, has to come back and play in the Test side. I also think David Miller is a Test possibility. He has the talent and is a good batsman. He has been branded as an ODI and T20 player, but just look at someone like David Warner of Australia, who also started out as an aggressive ODI batsmen before turning into a world class Test opener.
Despite the results in India I think South Africa will beat England at home. The confidence will return quickly.
