'Love to See Test Cricket Preserved But It's Never Going to be More Than Six or Seven-nation Format': Graeme Smith

Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith asserted that Test cricket is unlikely to expand beyond a six or seven-nation format. Cricket South Africa came under the scanners for announcing a young team for the Test series against New Zealand.

Only seven capped players were picked in a 14-man squad for the two Test matches in March – only two of whom played in the first Test against India last week. The CSA has given priority to the SA20 as several senior stars will be playing in the franchise competition during that time.

Smith, who is ranked among one of the greatest Test captains to play the game, asserted that he wants Test cricket to be preserved but made a bold claim that the red-ball format is unlikely to expand beyond a six or seven-nation format.

“Test cricket is something that I will always love. I appreciate the format and the contest it presents. When I reflect on what we achieved as a team during my time and my record, I would love to see it preserved, but it’s never going to be more than a six or seven-nation format,” says former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith told PTI.

The announcement of South Africa’s weakened Test squad led to criticism, notably from former Australian captain Steve Waugh, who said the selection showed a lack of respect for New Zealand cricket.

“Obviously, they don’t care. It’s going to happen if the South African cricket board are any indication of the future, keeping their best players at home,” Waugh told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“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?”

Cricket South Africa also responded to the criticism and claimed it was unable to agree alternative dates for the series.

“We reassure the fans that CSA has the utmost respect for the Test format as the pinnacle of the game we love,” the organisation said in a statement.

CSA acknowledged that the dates for the New Zealand tour had been agreed before the SA20 schedule had been decided.

“Once it became apparent that there would be a clash, we made every effort to find another mutually suitable time slot for the two-Test series in consultation with New Zealand Cricket.

“Regrettably the constraints imposed by the global cricket calendar rendered this impossible,” it added.