Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has raised alarms about the future of Test cricket following Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) decision to prioritize the SA20 league over their upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
In a recent Instagram post, Waugh questioned if the selection choices mark a defining moment in the decline of Test cricket. He urged the ICC and the cricket boards of India, Australia, and England to intervene and safeguard the purity of the sport.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Waugh criticized the South African cricket board. He even went as far as advising New Zealand not to participate in the series.
“They don’t care. If the South African board keeps its biggest stars in domestic leagues, like the upcoming SA20, we’ll see Test series like this, where top players sit out international matches,” he said.
“If I were New Zealand, I wouldn’t participate in the series. I don’t understand why they’re involved. It indicates a lack of respect for New Zealand cricket, doesn’t it?”, he added.
The Proteas’ Test series in New Zealand starts on February 4th and ends on the 17th. None of South Africa’s top players will play in the series. They’re prioritizing the SA20 league, which runs from January 10th to February 10th.
The 14-man squad, led by uncapped player Neil Brand, has faced criticism from various cricket experts. The decision further intensifies the debate over the prioritization of T20 leagues over Test cricket.
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