Rohit Sharma says every nation must strive to protect Test cricket

Team India captain Rohit Sharma added that all ICC member nations must strive to protect the sanctity of the longer format of the game and ensure it stays in a good state. However, the debate over the future of Test cricket made headlines after Cricket South Africa (CSK) chose seven uncapped cricketers, including Neil Brand, who has been appointed as captain, for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The big names from the Proteas team won’t be available since they will be part of SA20, which will take place at the same time as the Test series against the Kiwis.

At the press conference, Rohit Sharma shared his views on Test Cricket as well. “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 added.

He also added that, for him, Test cricket is the ultimate challenge and he would like to see the best players playing the longer format. He also said that everyone has their issues to deal with while referring to CSA’s decision as well.

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“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,” he again said.

Several former cricketers, including Steve Waugh, have slammed Cricket South Africa’s decision to send an inexperienced Test team to New Zealand as well. However, Cricket South Africa reacted to all the criticisms over their decision to select an inexperienced 14-member squad for the upcoming Test series in New Zealand in February. CSA has released an official statement to explain their move.

“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.”

South Africa will play two Test matches in New Zealand from February 4 to 17. The SA20 will take place from January 10 to February 10.