Faf du Plessis says Test cricket must be prioritised and two-match series scrapped.
The former Proteas skipper, who earned 69 Test caps, was speaking at the SA20 Captains’ Day ahead of the second edition of the franchise tournament.
This year’s SA20 clashes with the Proteas’ two-match Test tour of New Zealand in February, resulting in the selection of a severely depleted 14-man national squad.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh accused CSA of not caring about Test cricket, while Proteas stand-in skipper Dean Elgar said he was saddened by the decline of Test cricket in South Africa.
“I think it’s not just us, it’s a lot of other nations, bar England, Australia and India, that aren’t in a healthy place when it comes to Test cricket,” said Du Plessis, who will again captain the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.
“I think whatever needs to be done to make sure that Test cricket is still is a high priority, needs to be done.
“I’m a massive fan, and it was my favourite format of the game. Even just the buzz around a Test match at Newlands in South Africa, people are still very excited about it.”
Du Plessis added that Test series should be at least three matches. The Proteas’ recent home series against India had just two – ending in an unsatisfactory 1-1 draw – and they will not play a three-match Test series until December 2026, against England.
“First of all, there should be more Test matches, but also, secondly, two-Test match series, I don’t think anyone enjoys them because quite often you have it one-all and it feels like it needs one more.
“I’m not sure whether it’s changing it to four-day Test matches, so you can have an extra day to make sure that you play that third Test match,” Du Plessis suggested.
Meanwhile, former Proteas captain and current SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith believes the SA20 can coexist with South Africa’s international commitments.
“In terms of scheduling, it’s never ideal to have what’s happened,” said Smith, who played in 117 Tests.
“I think over the years we will get better. The SA20 is a four-week tournament in a whole year. So I truly believe that you can coexist.
“I think there’s been the intent from Cricket South Africa to say that this product is important to us, and we need to give it the best chance to succeed. To have our best players available for the next coming weeks is very exciting for the tournament.”
Photo: Ron Gaunt/Sportzpics
