South African Graeme Smith ponders shock Test cricket comeback

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Former South African Test captain Graeme Smith is weighing up the possibility of attempting a Test comeback on the eve of his involvement in the Masters Champions League tournament. Photograph: Ed Sykes/Action Images
Former South African Test captain Graeme Smith is weighing up the possibility of attempting a Test comeback on the eve of his involvement in the Masters Champions League tournament. Photograph: Ed Sykes/Action Images

Former South African captain Graeme Smith has hinted he may use the Masters Champions League as a launching pad for a return to international cricket.

The opening batsman retired from international cricket in March last year, however is considering a return after seeing his country lose 3-0 to India – their first away Test series defeat in nine years.

“For me, I’m at the cusp of whether I should play international cricket again or not,” he told the National newspaper in the UAE. “I’m 34 now, retired at 33, there’s always that question mark of whether I can play for another three-four years.”

Since retiring, Smith has stated he misses the international game, however any possible return to Test cricket would have to wait until August when South Africa host New Zealand. Their upcoming series against England will be complete by the time the Masters tournament in the UAE begins, and the Twenty20 World Cup in India is one of a few limited-overs tournaments for the Proteas in the first half of 2016.

Smith played 117 Test matches for South Africa, scoring 9266 runs at an average of 48.25. Former Australian greats Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds and Brad Hogg will also play in the MCL.