Critics, ex-players want to axe Smith, Kallis and Boucher from Proteas 20-20 squad

Cape Town (South Africa), May 13 (ANI): Critics have said that it is time for South African cricketing stalwarts Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher to make way for better performers in the Tweny20 format.

Former South African convenor of selectors Omar Henry is demanding the heads of the trio in the country's Twenty20 side.

"I would axe Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and even Graeme Smith from the T20 team. I believe we need to build a new side and head in a new direction," Sports24 quoted Henry, as saying.

Even though he was very critical of Smith's captaincy in the tournament, he would keep the captain and Kallis in the squad until next year's World Cup on the subcontinent.

"Kallis is worth a lot as an all-rounder in 50-over cricket. I would retain Smith as captain, but he would have to agree to a number of changes in how he goes about his job," added Henry.

Henry was unimpressed with the decision to let Kallis open the batting.

Kallis managed an impressive 171 runs in the tournament, but his strike rate was only 116.32, Some of the other opening batsmen that performed well scored their runs at a faster rate.

Majola said it would be dangerous to jump to conclusions in the heat of the moment.

"I don't recognise the South African team that played there. We weren't even close to being in the picture in this tournament. It was a shock to see those performances. I'm looking for answers," he said.

Former South African coach Ray Jennings said that the question needed to be asked who was calling the shots in the team. (ANI)