Cape Town - Former Proteas skipper Graeme Smith has admitted he's found it difficult to watch the Proteas' woeful performances in the ongoing Cricket World Cup.
The Proteas succumbed to their fifth loss of the World Cup on Sunday at Lord's, this time at the hands of Mickey Arthur's Pakistan.
READ: Former coach Arthur: Proteas situation is 'sad'
The Proteas finished on 259/9 in their chase of 308/7 at the Home of Cricket and the defeat confirmed South Africa's elimination from the tournament.
Smith, who was at Lord's commentating on the game, took to Twitter to share his thoughts on South Africa's performance.
"It really has been difficult to watch. I try and consider the plans and thoughts but I'm baffled," said Smith, who played in three Cricket World Cups.
Meanwhile, former Proteas Test spinner Paul Harris shared Smith's sentiments, writing: "this cricket is hard to watch".
Another former Proteas player, all-rounder Albie Morkel, wrote that he felt sorry for the Proteas, adding: "... they will be first to admit that this word cup will be one to forget".
Former South African great Allan Donald looked past this year's campaign and to the future of the Proteas, questioning what their four-year plan will look like, writing: @OfficialCSAThere will be a lot of questions asked after this @cricketworldcupthere is no doubt. Most important one for me is what will the 4 year plan look like moving forward when the dust settles?
Losing is part of sport but it is worrying to see teams dont have to be at their best to beat the Proteas. It was something the Proteas prided themselves on.
— Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) June 24, 2019
It really has been difficult to watch. I try and consider the plans and thoughts but I’m baffled. #SouthAfrica #CWC19
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) June 23, 2019
Wow......this cricket is hard to watch!!
— paul harris (@paulharris12) June 23, 2019
One of the toughest places to be right now is in that Protea change room. Feel sorry for the boys but they will be first to admit that this word cup will be one to forget.
— Albie Morkel (@albiemorkel) June 23, 2019
@OfficialCSA There will be a lot of questions asked after this @cricketworldcup there is no doubt. Most important one for me is what will the 4 year plan look like moving forward when the dust settles?
— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) June 23, 2019
I fundamentally disagree against anyone suggesting a complete clean out in regards to the Proteas. @OfficialCSA must identify areas of concern and address them. And no, there is nothing wrong with the provincial system, it's just a way of abusing transformation, IMO.
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) June 24, 2019