After some clinical showdown in the limited-over cricket, the nations are back in their Test schedule. Australia is facing Pakistan in a three-match Test series at their home. On the other hand, India traveled to South Africa for a two-match Test series. After that, South Africa will play a Test series against New Zealand. Their squad for the Test series created controversy.
The Controversy:
South Africa’s move to send a second-string team to New Zealand for a test tour, as top players engage in a domestic T20 tournament, highlights concerns for Test cricket. Cricket South Africa (CSA) selected seven debutants, led by Neil Brand, for the upcoming two-Test tour of New Zealand, coinciding with the SA20 tournament from January 10.
This decision raises questions about the future of the longer format. As key players prioritize T20 events, the traditional red-ball game faces challenges. The clash of schedules emphasizes the ongoing debate about balancing formats in cricket and the potential impact on the significance of Test matches in the evolving cricket landscape.
CSA’s Clarification:
After a long, Test cricket is back. The longest format of cricket is the oldest form of the game. In competition with the limited-overs cricket, Test cricket is in a little backfoot. In this situation, Cricket South Africa’s Test squad for their New Zealand series has created controversy. They made a young squad because seniors will be playing in the T20 league. The cricket greats criticized this move of CSA.
Amidst this criticism, Cricket South Africa opened up. They clarified their decision over the New Zealand series. They gave a statement. In the statement, they said, “CSA has utmost respect for Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game. We tried to arrange the series at another timeslot, but due to the tight calendar it was impossible.”
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