Jason Smith after getting Proteas call for T20 World Cup: 'My process will stay the same'

By Nasri Alexander
5th January 2026

Jason Smith says he will bring versatility to the Proteas batting order after being included in the squad for the T20 World Cup that will start on 7 February to be co-hosted in India and Sri Lanka.

Smith was the surprise inclusion in head coach Shukri Conrad's 15-man group having previously only played three ODIs and two T20Is.

National selector Patrick Moroney spoke about Smith being a floater in the batting order, that can go in early or display his power hitting at the back end of an innings.

The 31-year-old though will not change his game now that he will step onto the big stage at his first global tournament with the senior Proteas team.

Speaking while in camp with SA20 side MI Cape Town, Smith said: "It's my first senior World Cup and I like to think my process will stay the same.

"I am in a space where I'd like to enjoy my cricket and not necessarily worry about the outcomes too much and that's just something I want to take forward - soak in and enjoy every moment that I am there.

"I feel like I'm quite a versatile player. I feel like a i can bat anywhere from (number) 3-7. It is important to be flexible and adapt to any conditions or situation that I face."

At MI Cape Town, Smith is working under head coach Robin Peterson and batting mentor Hashim Amla, both former Proteas internationals who have been to there fair share of World Cups in their own playing careers.

"I've been fortunate to play with them early on in my career," Smith added. "They were the seniors that I looked up to.

"The knowledge that I'm getting from Hashim, I had a session with him earlier and I don't think it's experience that I'll be able to get anywhere else.

"I feel like he understands me as an individual. I think he knows how to approach me and tell me what I need to do and need to get done, which I think goes a long way for me.

"I think we have quite similar characteristics as a person and we get along quite nicely.

"There's no better time to learn from a legend himself. I think it will help me in good stead going forward, not just into the World Cup, but carrying further on into my career. I think it will help me quite a lot."