South Africa appoint Graeme Smith as interim director of cricket

Smith will take on the role with crisis-ridden Cricket South Africa until the start of next year's Indian Premier League

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Graeme Smith has been appointed South Africa's director of cricket on an interim basis.

Smith will take on the role with crisis-ridden Cricket South Africa until the start of next year's Indian Premier League.

His primary task will be to prepare the Proteas for the visit of England. A four-Test series is due to start on Boxing Day.

CSA acting chief executive Jacques Faul said: "Obviously, Graeme has had his concerns during the course of the last few months, but I am pleased to say that we have overcome those concerns and I look forward to working with him to urgently address pressing cricketing matters in particular.

"Graeme is statistically the most successful Test captain in the history of the game.

"He is a natural leader and his knowledge of the game is second to none. To have him on board to work with the professional cricket arm of CSA, as well as the cricketing pipeline, which is so vital for our game, is a massive shot in the arm for CSA during this period."

Smith said: "I’ve publicly stated a number of times that I would love to assist CSA in this difficult time, particularly in developing this new role of director of cricket. I’m still as passionate about South African cricket as I ever was and I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the role.

"There is a lot of work to be done in the next few weeks and months and my objective will always be to make a positive impact during my tenure."

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