AB de Villiers blames T20 leagues for short Test series
|| CF DESK ||
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers expressed his frustration over the fact that India and South Africa played only a two-match Test series. He attributed this to the growing influence of T20 leagues and emphasized the need for longer Test series.
The series between South Africa and India ended with both teams securing a victory each – the hosts winning the opening Test in Centurion by an innings and 32 runs, and the visitors emerging victorious in the second Test by seven wickets.
De Villiers voiced his opinion on the matter, advocating for extended Test series. He believes that "something has to change" to ensure a more comprehensive assessment of the best team in the world. The cricketer's remarks highlight concerns about the impact of T20 leagues on the scheduling and duration of traditional Test cricket.
"I am not happy that there is not a third Test. You have to blame the T20 cricket going around the world for that. I do not know whom to blame, but I sense something is wrong. If you want to see all the teams compete and see who is the best Test team in the world, something has to change." he said on his YouTube channel.
South Africa is set to embark on a two-Test series in New Zealand in February, but eyebrows were raised when Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed a second-string squad for the series, featuring seven uncapped players.
The unconventional selection is attributed to a scheduling clash with the SA20, a T20 tournament scheduled from January 10 to February 10, which has led to several key players participating in the shorter format.
De Villiers feels Test cricket is under pressure and admitted that the players and coaches would rather opt for competitions that offer big money than play the five-day format.
"It (South Africa's Test squad for New Zealand) has sent shockwaves around the cricketing world and has made it clear that Test cricket is under pressure, for that matter even ODI cricket and the whole system is turning around T20 cricket.
"The players, the board and coaches will turn towards where there is more money. You cannot blame them for thinking about their future with their family."
