India captain Rohit Sharma has reacted to South Africa naming an inexperienced squad for their upcoming Test series against New Zealand, saying you want the best players to play Test cricket. India is set to face South Africa in the second and final Test of their series at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
South Africa named an inexperienced squad, with just seven capped players for their upcoming Test tour to New Zealand. The Proteas will face New Zealand in a two-match Test series, starting February 4.
The first match of the series will be played Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on February 4, before their clash with New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton, starting January 13.
South Africa’s decision to name most of their first-choice players came as the 2-match Test series clashes with the SA20, franchise-based T20 league, starting January 10.
Speaking at the pre-match press-conference for the second Test in Cape Town, Rohit called Test cricket the ultimate challenge in the sport, insisting that the best players should be playing this format.
“Honestly, for me Test cricket is the ultimate challenge and you would want to see the best players playing in that format. Everyone has their own problems to deal with. I am pretty sure there is a reason behind it I don’t know what the reason is. Definitely, Test cricket is something where you want to see the best cricket being played, best and top players being available,” said Rohit.
“I don’t know what the internal talks or what the discussions are in Cricket South Africa. But in my perspective a lot of thought should be given to Test cricket because it is the ultimate challenge you face in this sport and we want to be challenged every day,” Rohit added.
South Africa squad for NZ Tests
Neil Brand (C), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (WK), Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo.
Tune In