Kirsten says out of form Smith deserves more time to bounce back

Cape Town, Jan 20(ANI): South African coach Gary Kirsten has defended out of form batsman Graeme Smith saying that he needs more time to bounce back.

"He's going through a tough time and he realises it. There is a lot of pressure on him and he knows he has to perform. I also went through it when I played - I know exactly what it's all about," Kirsten said.

He added that Smith should be given more time to regain his form because he has led the side for long and has been a key player in the squad, Sport 24 reports.

His statement comes after former Proteas selector Mike Proctor claimed that Smith 's friendship with Kirsten may have helped him retain his ODI berth.

Smith was dismissed for only two runs in the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Bloemfontein, and has scored only 116 runs at an average of 19.33 in the past six innings this season. (ANI)