Discarded South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has threatened to sue current national captain Graeme Smith for branding him "a disruptive element."

In a letter to the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) sent by Klusener's attorney David Gush, the cricketer has threatened legal action against Smith for his remarks, according to the Johannesburg-based Sunday Times newspaper.

Smith, now leading the South African team in England, made the remarks against Klusener just before the side's
departure for the tour early in June.

Klusener was subsequently left out of the tour, although he claims the board had promised him a contract. The all-rounder has now taken his case to the state-established Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and
Arbitration (CCMA), which deals with "unfair labour practices".

According to Klusener's attorney Gush, the cricketer's case will deal with the renewal of his contract. He claimed Klusener was led to believe that his contract would be renewed and it was for this reason did
not take up lucrative offers elsewhere. Gush said Klusener still wanted to play for South Africa.