Former teammate Paul Harris is the among the latest cricket personalities to endorse the full-time appointment of Cricket South Africa director of cricket Graeme Smith.

Smith accepted the role on an interim basis late last year. Last month, he signed a two-year contract.

READ: Kirsten appreciates ‘father figure’ Smith

‘Graeme brings a lot of credibility to South African cricket. When it comes to negotiating with other countries and getting bilateral series together, this is a very good appointment,’ Harris told the Sports Editor.

Smith will continue to work alongside CSA acting chief executive officer Jacques Faul despite the absence of cricket due to the coronavirus pandemic. Professional cricket around the world, including the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League, has been suspended as a preventative measure against the spread of the virus.

‘This is a pretty tough situation. The coronavirus pandemic has not helped at all commercially. I’m so glad Graeme has Jacques with him because there isn’t a better guy, commercially, in South African sport in general,’ added Harris.

Harris played 37 Tests and three ODIs between 2007 and 2011. He recently worked with the Proteas as a spin-bowling consultant.

Former Proteas coach and teammate Gary Kirsten recently echoed Harris’ sentiment.

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