Cape Town – Former Proteas coach Gary Kirsten believes that South Africa have made a perfect match with the arrival of Graeme Smith, Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis in the national set-up.

Smith, who was appointed interim Director of Cricket in December, named Boucher as the new head coach of the Proteas until 2023.

Kallis then joined South Africa’s backroom team as a batting consultant for the duration of the summer.

Kirsten, who coached India to a Cricket World Cup triumph in 2011, revealed in an interview with the Daily Mail that having these legendary Proteas in the changing room is important as they know what it takes to win.

“The important thing is to have people around the team who have played at the highest level against the best opposition for many years. To have those guys in the changing room is vital for the young players,” Kirsten told the Daily Mail.

“Any team representing South Africa need to understand what it takes to succeed. Graeme, Mark and Jacques know it. They know what it’s like and you don’t want to run the risk of putting people in those positions who don’t have that understanding.

“International teams will eat you alive. You have to match excellence with excellence and that’s what South Africa have done.”

Kirsten was one of the shortlisted names in line to replace Trevor Bayliss as England coach but the role eventually went to Chris Silverwood.

The 52-year-old, who recently managed the Durban Heat in the Mzansi Super League, will also coach the Cardiff-based team for England’s The Hundred competition.

The four-match Test series against the Proteas and England is evenly poised at 1-1 with the third Test scheduled to get underway on Thursday, January 16 at St. George’s Park.

– Compiled by Lynn Butler