Waugh slams South Africa for prioritising home T20 match over New Zealand Tests

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh stated South Africa’s choice to ship a shadow aspect to New Zealand for a take a look at tour whereas its high gamers participate in a home T20 match reveals the longest format of the sport is beneath risk.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) named seven uncapped gamers, together with skipper Neil Brand, for subsequent month’s two-Test tour of New Zealand, which overlaps with the second version of the SA20 starting on January 10.

Waugh stated the governing International Cricket Council (ICC) and different directors ought to step in to guard Test cricket.

“Obviously they don’t care,” he advised the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

“If I was New Zealand I wouldn’t even play the series. I don’t know why they’re even playing. Why would you when it shows a lack of respect for New Zealand cricket?

“If the ICC or someone doesn’t step in shortly then test cricket doesn’t become Test cricket because you’re not testing yourself against the best players.”

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Reuters has requested remark from the ICC.

The governing physique has little function in scheduling bilateral cricket or home T20 leagues, which is finished by the boards concerned. Its chairman, Greg Barclay, beforehand advised the BBC “there’s not a lot we can do” about T20 leagues dominating the calendar.

The proliferation of franchise cricket has put the squeeze on bilateral excursions lately with West Indies specifically struggling to place collectively their strongest squad.

The CSA cancelled a tour of Australia scheduled early final yr to make sure the presence of its high gamers within the inaugural version of the SA20 League, which is bankrolled by the Indian Premier League franchises.

Australia captain Pat Cummins hoped South Africa’s choice didn’t sign a drift away from Test cricket.

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“I know the South African team aren’t sending their strongest side, I’m hoping it’s just a phase,” Cummins advised reporters on the eve of the third Test towards Pakistan.

“I don’t think it’s as dramatic decline as it sometimes gets spoken about, but I think there is an issue just with the amount of other cricket out there.”

Pakistan captain Shan Masood stated the state of affairs might have been averted by higher scheduling.

“All the best sides have to play for the World Test Championship, so it’s a pity that South Africa aren’t being able to send its full-strength squad,” the batter stated.

“Hopefully somewhere down the line, schedules can be made in a certain way where we see the strongest elevens playing Test cricket.”