Former Aus Captain Steve waugh about Future Of Test cricket

'The future is not a problem for them, don't kill Test cricket like this' - Steve Waugh openly

      

Steve Waugh

 

Sydney: The announcement of South Africa's Test squad for the tour of New Zealand yesterday left cricket fans in awe. Now former Aussie captain and legend Steve Waugh has come out criticizing Cricket South Africa's decision. Waugh also questions the ICC's approach. 

South Africa travel to New Zealand for a two-Test series next month. The South Africa T20 league is also taking place at this time. With this, it was decided to send the second tier team. This is the crux of the legend. Yesterday, South Africa announced a 14-member team, including seven newcomers, led by opening batsman Neil Brandt, who has not played an international match till date. 

South Africa is keeping all the best players in the country. It is clear that they do not care about the future. If I am playing in the New Zealand team, I will boycott the series. If New Zealand shows so little respect for cricket, why should they play the series?'

'Is Test cricket the death knell? ICC needs to consider all this. The ICC should work with the Indian, England and Australian cricket boards to protect the pure formation of cricket.'

"The great history and tradition of Test cricket should not be destroyed just for the sake of financial gain. Don't let the legacy of greats like Sir Donald Bradman and Sir Gary Sobers become irrelevant.' 

"ICC should intervene for the survival of Test cricket. When the best players are not allowed to play, Test cricket becomes what it is. I don't blame the players. Because if they don't get proper salary, they will give importance to such franchise cricket.' 

"The ICC and other financially sound cricket boards should come up with a separate salary scheme for Test players in consultation. Through this, the players can be brought closer to Test cricket. If not, the players will focus more on T10 and T20 matches only.' 

West Indies have not been sending a Test team to Australia that includes their strongest players for some time now. Nicholas Pooran is a great Test player. But he has yet to play a Test. Their best player is Jason Holder. He is also not playing Tests. "Even Pakistan is not sending a complete team to Australia," said Steve Waugh.