Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers expressed frustration with the short two-match Test series between India and South Africa and placed the blame on the proliferation of T20 leagues. He called for longer Test series and emphasized the need for change to accurately identify the best team in the world.
De Villiers criticized the scheduling of only a two-Test series and pointed to the influence of T20 cricket as a factor in this decision. He suggested that T20 leagues around the world have contributed to the lack of a third Test and the overall pressure on Test cricket.
The former captain also highlighted the upcoming two-Test series between South Africa and New Zealand, noting that Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) decision to announce a second-string squad with seven uncapped players for the series due to a clash with the SA20 tournament.
De Villiers acknowledged the financial appeal of T20 leagues for players, coaches, and boards, recognizing the impact on their decisions regarding their careers and the formats they choose to participate in. He commented on the shift in focus towards T20 cricket and the challenges faced by Test and ODI cricket as a result.
Additionally, de Villiers addressed the controversy surrounding the Cape Town pitch during the second India-South Africa Test and described it as a “pretty stock-standard” surface. He emphasized the difficulty of batting on the pitch and highlighted the need for batsmen to adapt to the conditions.
In conclusion, de Villiers’ critique of the two-match Test series and his concerns about the impact of T20 leagues on Test cricket underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the future of the format and its significance in the cricketing world.
