The gentleman’s game seems to be fading away, especially in South Africa. With the latest announcement of the Proteas’ squad for their Test series against NZ, which consisted of seven uncapped players and an uncapped player in Neil Brand taking up the captaincy, current skipper Dean Elgar himself stated his disappointment at the same.
The move comes as a result of Cricket South Africa attempting to accommodate top stars for the cash-rich SA20, which is coinciding with the Test series.
But, it’s not just Elgar who feels a certain type of way. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma who sensed it and shared his thoughts on the same as well.
The Indian opener took to the media at the presser ahead of the second Test against South Africa and stated that he feels each and every ICC member must protect the sanctity of Test cricket.
“For me, Test remains the ultimate challenge and we would like to see best players playing that format but everyone has their own problems to deal with and make sure there is a reason behind it,” Rohit reacted when asked about the CSA move.
Rohit also made sure to reiterate the important of the nation’s top players representing their country in Test cricket.
“I don’t know what the reason is (for SA not picking senior players) 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,” said the Indian skipper.
Rohit is also of the belief that it is not just the responsibility of the CSA or the BCCI by themselves to salvage and save the integrity of Test cricket, but one that involves the cricketing fraternity as a whole.
“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,” he added.
(with inputs from agencies)
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