‘Is this a defining moment in the death……’ – Steve Waugh slams CSA for naming second string side for Test series

Cricket South Africa has announced the Test squad for the New Zealand series, which is slated to take place in February. Notably, the board disclosed the names of seven uncapped players for the series, with a new captain against the Kiwis for two Test games. However, former Australia cricketer Steve Waugh lashed out at CSA as they set to prioritise the SA20 League over giving priority to Test cricket.

The legendary cricketer said that South Africa is not very concerned about the Test cricketer as they have saved their best players for the franchise game over the red ball game for the upcoming month. In addition, the 58-year-old cricketer feels it is disrespectful to New Zealand cricket that they are playing with a weak team from South Africa and has urged them not to play against the Proteas.

“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?” Steve Waugh told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Is this a defining moment in the death of Test cricket?: Steve Waugh

Steve Waugh urged the Indian Cricket Board, Apex Cricket Cricket, and some top cricketing boards to step in to ensure the importance of Test cricket above any franchise cricket. Moreover, the former middle-order batter feels it to be a big problem.

“Is this a defining moment in the death of Test cricket? Surely the ICC along (with) the cricket boards of India, England and Australia must step in to protect the purest form of the game. History and tradition must count for something. If we stand by and allow profits to be the defining criteria, the legacy of (Sir Don) Bradman, (WG) Grace and (Sir Garfield) Sobers will be irrelevant. It’s pretty obvious what the problem is,” he added further.