Proteas have tools for success, says former skipper Smith

South Africa's Test team have the talent to succeed in England this summer, according to former captain Graeme Smith.

Smith, who led South Africa to victory in the 2003 and 2007 Cricket World Cups, believes the Proteas have a good balance of youth and experience.

“They have a number of young players who are starting to come through,” Smith said. “Guys like Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram are really exciting talents, and they have a lot of experience in the side too, guys like Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis.”

“I think they have a good mix of youth and experience, and I think they have the tools to do well in England this summer.”

South Africa will play three Tests against England, starting at Lord’s on July 6. They will also play five one-day internationals and one Twenty20 international on the tour.

Smith believes that South Africa’s bowling attack will be their key to success in England.

“They have a very good bowling attack,” he said. “Morne Morkel and Kagiso Rabada are two of the best fast bowlers in the world, and they have a good spinner in Keshav Maharaj.”

“I think if they can bowl well, especially in the early parts of the series, they will give themselves a great chance of winning.”

The Proteas are currently ranked second in the world Test rankings, behind only India.

They have a good record in England, having won three of their last five series.

Smith believes that South Africa have the potential to be a major force in world cricket in the coming years.

“I think they have a very good team,” he said. “They have a lot of young players who are coming through, and they have a lot of experience in the side as well.”

“I think they have the potential to be a really great team, and I think they can be a major force in world cricket in the coming years.”