London 20th August : Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith appreciated the attitude India was able to show towards cricket in the Test format during the time Virat Kohli was the captain He said it was amazing to see him taking the longest form of the game very seriously.Kohli who was made full-time captain of the Test team in 2015 following MS Dhoni announced his retirement from the format and played India to 40 victories from a total of the 68 Tests he skippered, while losing 17 and losing 11 matches.He quit captaincy of the Test team when India lost to South Africa 2-1 in South Africa in January, with a win percentage of 58.82 while also registering unforgettable victories in both home and overseas conditions.
“With Test cricket, there are only iconic nations or big cricketing nations helping Test cricket right now.India was leading (the) method in Test cricket during the time of Virat Kohli.It was simply amazing; he was a man who took Test cricket seriously in the world of cricket.They set the standard with this,” said Smith on “Sky Sports” during the third day of action between England and South Africa at Lord’s.
In the same vein, Smith pointed out that only a tiny fraction of nations are involved in Test match play in all over the world.”But so long as we have teams that are competitive you’re not likely to have 10,11 12 13 or 14 teams that are competitive.It could be that you’re reduced to five or six countries that are playing Test cricket at this stage.”
Smith Smith, who is the commissioner of South Africa’s upcoming T20 league, also explained the reasons why the new T20 league was necessary from a financial standpoint.”It’s certain be an investment in our sport which South African cricket desperately needed.”
“The pressures placed on nations such as New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa to stay financially viable to keep pace with England, India, and the rest of the world to remain competitive is extremely crucial.I don’t think that world cricket can afford for South Africa or any one of the most renowned nations to begin to fade away.”
To ensure that the entire team of South Africa available for the inaugural edition of the new T20 league The ODI series with Australia in January was cancelled the result of this is that they’ve missed 30 points in the World Cup Super League tally which could mean they are not automatically qualified for the ODI World Cup in India next year.
“For the first four weeks of the whole year, the main focus is the league.I believe that if we didn’t have this South African cricket could have likely lost eight to 10 players to the UAE league.It is also important to take a look at the three ODIs as being wrong.”
“Yes, South Africa hasn’t dealt with ODI cricket well, and shouldn’t be in this situation.However, to ask South Africa to be in Australia out of their main portion of the summer financials is a major stress for the country.It’s similar to asking England not to play in your summer.”
“The dedication made by South African cricket made to take on the three Test games is beneficial for the sport.It’s not something that will happen frequently,” concluded Smith.
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