Philander backs ex-player involvement to lift SA: 'Feeding off Hash would do Temba world of good'

Former Proteas seam bowler Vernon Philander says recently retired ex-internationals need to be better utilised in the South African cricket system to help get current players better equipped technically and mentally for international cricket.

Philander was last year roped in as the bowling consultant for the Pakistan national team during the T20 World Cup in the UAE, where he worked alongside former Australia batter Matthew Hayden, the team mentor.

Pakistan topped their group ahead of New Zealand in second and beat India for the first time in a major ICC tournament. They went on to lose in the semi-finals to champions Australia.

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The Proteas, who lost one game at that tournament, their opener against Australia, narrowly missed out on the knockout stages.

Philander said the Proteas, who have struggled in ODIs in the last two years and got battered in India this week, needed more ex-internationals involved.

Currently, former international wicketkeeper Mark Boucher is assisted by ex-Proteas Charl Langeveldt (bowling coach) and Justin Ontong (fielding coach).

"A big point, for me, is always about how your ex-players are being utilised," Philander told News 24 Sport.

"The more successful countries, like India, most of their ex-players are still involved in one way or another.

"In South Africa, on the other hand, you can count on your fingers how many ex-international players are still actively involved in the game.

"That to me is a big talking point. If you have mentors like that, outside of your national setup, you're basically going to breed good cricketers.

"Those guys have been there and they understand the standards. Even when I played,