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Published 18:48 IST, January 2nd 2024

'Someone like him is really a Test batsman who doesn't play Test cricket': Steve Waugh on IPL's star

Steve Waugh's comments come in response to Cricket South Africa's decision to field a weakened Test squad for their upcoming series against New Zealand.

Reported by: Vishal Tiwari
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Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh | Image: AP

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) and all major cricket boards, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), for what he perceives as a lack of concern for Test cricket, the longest and most respected version of the game. 

3 things you need to know

  • The number of Test matches played has significantly decreased in the past two decades
  • Limited-over games are preferred more by the broadcasters than Test matches
  • However, Test cricket is still considered the most superior format of the game

Also Read: 'It had my girls present and baggy green. That is sentimental': Warner's plea after getting robbed

Steve Waugh slams ICC and all major cricket boards

Steve Waugh's comments come in response to Cricket South Africa's decision to field a weakened Test squad for their upcoming series against New Zealand, prioritizing the T20 league, SA20, which is the country's newly-launched domestic franchise tournament. The CSA ruling dictates that players contracted to SA20 franchises are ineligible for Test selection, leading to a squad featuring seven uncapped players and a new captain for the two-Test series.

"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. 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?" Waugh said.

"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. I understand why players don't come. They're not getting paid properly. I don't understand why ICC or the top countries, who are making a lot of money, don't just have a regulation set fee for Test matches which is a premium, so people are incentivised to play Test cricket.

"It's pretty obvious what the problem is. The West Indies aren't sending their full-strength side (to Australia this summer). They haven't picked a full-strength Test team for a couple of years now. Someone like Nicholas Pooran is really a Test batsman who doesn't play Test cricket. Jason Holder, probably their best player, is not playing now. Even Pakistan didn't send a full side (to Australia)," he added

South Africa and New Zealand are scheduled to play two Test matches against each other in February this year. The matches will take place in New Zealand. The second edition of the SA20 league is slated to start on January 10 and will last until February 10.
 

Updated 19:37 IST, January 2nd 2024