South Africa’s test squad to tour New Zealand - A stab in the heart to test cricket
South Africa has unveiled a 14-man Test squad for the imminent 2-test series versus New Zealand, set to take place in New Zealand. A pivotal observation emerges from this announcement: merely two members from the victorious test eleven against India at Centurion have secured positions in this squad. The selection indeed reflects what is being labelled as a 'B-strength squad,' a move that resonates deeply within the realm of test cricket, signifying the concerning sway of commercialised formats like T20 cricket. This selection underlines the influence wielded by the Indian Premier League (IPL) and its franchises on global cricket—a concern that warrants attention.
Notably, Neil Brand, an uncapped player, assumes the captaincy—a choice that might seem unfamiliar to followers well-versed in contemporary cricket.
