England’s Michael Vaughan has lamented fellow former international captain Graeme Smith’s withdrawal from contention for Cricket South Africa’s vacant director of cricket position.

Smith, suspended interim director of cricket Corrie van Zyl and former national selector Hussein Manack were interviewed for the post earlier this month. Smith, however, withdrew candidacy on Thursday.

‘Shame they couldn’t give you a blank canvas to get on with the role. You are exactly what SA cricket needs,’ Vaughan wrote on Twitter.

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The director of cricket position was created after the Proteas’ plighted World Cup campaign earlier this year. They won three matches, lost five and shared a washout with the West Indies – and ended in seventh position in the 10-team tournament.

‘Following the news in the media this week that I interviewed for the CSA director of cricket role, I feel it necessary to confirm that I have withdrawn my interest from the role,’ said Smith.

‘I would love to have taken on the role. However, despite my obvious desire to make a difference during the long and, at times, frustrating process over the last ten or so weeks of discussions, I have not developed the necessary confidence that I would be given the level of freedom and support to initiate the initial changes.

‘My passion for our nation’s cricketing fortunes remains steadfast and I give my heartfelt best wishes to whoever does take the role on. I will continue to support the teams and give advice and guidance wherever I can.’

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