India’s team leader, Rohit Sharma, shared his belief. He said, every ICC country should work hard. They need to keep Test cricket sacred, it should remain healthy.
Cricket South Africa (CSK) selected seven uncapped players, including skipper Neil Brand, for the next tour of New Zealand, sparking a new discussion about the future of Test cricket. Due to their participation in SA20, which takes place concurrently with the Test series against the Kiwis, the Proteas team’s top players won’t be accessible.
A reporter attempted to imply that the BCCI had a bigger responsibility to preserve Test cricket during a pre-match news conference prior to the Cape Town Test against South Africa. Rohit Sharma said:
“Test Cricket is something that we all have to protect and it’s not just one or two countries’ responsibility but all who are playing, keep it nice and entertaining. Around the world, you can see some solid Test cricket being played and you have seen results everywhere and competitive cricket being played, so it’s everyone’s duty to ensure it stays nice and healthy and that is what people come to watch. That’s everyone’s responsibility.”
Rohit Sharma
The greatest players should play in Test cricket, according to Rohit Sharma, who also stated that he still views it as the ultimate challenge. Nonetheless, Rohit Sharma brought up the fact that everyone must deal with their own issues and mentioned CSA’s ruling.
“I don’t know what the reason is (over CSA’s decision) and in Test cricket you want to see best players being available but like I said I don’t know what internal discussions are in CSA but from my perspective, the priority should be given to Test cricket. It’s a challenge that you face everyday,” the Indian captain said.
Steve Waugh is among the former cricket players who have taken offense at Cricket South Africa’s choice to send an untested Test team to New Zealand.
Cricket South Africa reacts to criticism on New Zealand Test squad
Cricket South Africa responded on Tuesday, January 2, to feedback on their choice to select a novice team of 14 for the anticipated Test series in New Zealand come February. CSA provided a formal clarification of their selection in an statement.
“The Board of Cricket South Africa (CSA) notes the concerns about the composition of the Test squad that will be travelling to New Zealand later this month,” the statement read.
“Our schedule for the remainder of the FTP has been managed to ensure that there will not be any further clashes between our bilateral commitments and the SA20. CSA remains fully committed to international cricket and to strengthening the SA20, a tournament that was initiated by us to help grow and sustain the game,” the statement added.
From February 4 to 17, South Africa is scheduled for two Tests in New Zealand. The SA20 event will take place January 10 through February 10.