Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh has voiced his concerns regarding the future of Test cricket following the recent occurrences in South Africa. The Cricket South Africa (CSA) recently announced a 14-man squad for their upcoming away Test series against New Zealand. Steve Waugh fears that the death of Test cricket is around the corner.
A notable aspect is the absence of frontline Proteas players in the squad, as they are engaged in commitments with the SA20 league, scheduled to run concurrently. CSA previously requested the NZC Board to reschedule the dates of the test matches with these matches carrying crucial WTC points and the NZC Board rightly declined their request.
In an unexpected move, the uncapped Neil Brand has been appointed as captain of the South African side for the NZ tour. This decision has triggered criticism from various quarters within the cricket fraternity in the past few days. Waugh’s concerns add to the growing debate surrounding the prioritization of domestic leagues over international Test cricket.
Is this a defining moment in the death of Test cricket?- Steve Waugh
Expressing his disappointment, Steve Waugh took to his Instagram handle to share his views on the matter. He emphasized the need to safeguard the legacy and future of Test cricket. Waugh urged cricket boards, including the ICC, BCCI, Cricket Australia, and ECB, to intervene collectively to address the challenges faced by the format and find a viable solution. Waugh wrote in his post,
“Is this a defining moment in the death of Test cricket. Surely the ICC along the cricket boards of India, England and Australia, must step in to protect the purest form of the game,”
Waugh further added,
“A premium, equal match fee for all test players might be a good starting point. History and tradition must count for something. If we stand by and allow profits to be the defining criteria, the legacy of Bradman, Grace and Sobers will be irrelevant. #timetobecounted #stepuptotheplate #standforsomething,”
South Africa’s tour of New Zealand
The Proteas’ tour of New Zealand is set to kick off on February 4, beginning with the first Test in Mount Maunganui. Subsequently, the teams will engage in the second and final Test, scheduled to take place from February 13 to 17 in Hamilton.
South Africa announced a 14-member squad for the tour with an Uncapped Player as Captain after captaining the SA-A side against WI-A and as many as 7 players can potentially make their debut in the first test. Duanne Olivier with 15 test appearances is the most experienced player in the SA squad.
South Africa squad: Neil Brand (capt), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (wk), Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo.
The upcoming second season of the SA20 league is slated to unfold over the course of one month, spanning from January 10 to February 10.