With the cricketing world predicting a grim future for Tests in wake of South Africa naming a depleted squad for a two-match series in New Zealand, Michael Clarke has termed it as a sad development.
South Africa have included seven uncapped players in their 14-man squad for the tour of New Zealand next month when all their first-choice stars will be playing in SA20.
“It’s sad to see to be honest,” Clarke told ESPN’s Around the Wicket. “I understand South Africa’s reasoning but Test cricket is the pinnacle in my eyes. No domestic competition in the world should come in front of it in my opinion. Playing for your country is the most important thing.”
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Clarke, who represented Australia in 115 Tests between 2004 and 2015, wondered what the impact would’ve been if instead of South Africa, it was either of Australia, India or England who named a second-string Test squad.
“It’s sad to see this is the case. I understand from South Africa’s point of view but imagine if Australia, India, England did it. It’s already hard enough for fans to see your international team not at full strength playing a handful of One-Dayers or T20s in a series. Fans want to see the best players play. But there’s no doubt if the best player’s not being picked for their country in Test cricket, it’s an uphill battle,” he said.
Clarke then suggested paying same match fee to Test players across the board irrespective of the team they play for.
“I don’t think there’s too many people around the world that don’t fear where Test cricket’s going. We need to try and find a solution. It seems like a lot of things in life, money seems to be that solution.,” Clarke said.
“Let’s start by paying every single Test cricketer the same amount of money in regards to match fee. Let’s not prioritise Australia, England and India. Let’s make sure every country gets that same fee,” he added.
Clarke had some sympathy for Cricket South Africa with respect to the investment they have made in SA20.
“I think there’s a lot more to it. South African cricket have obviously invested a lot of money into this T20 tournament and they can’t afford their big players to miss it,” he said.
“Prioritising that over Test cricket is a big change. It’s not something I’m comfortable with but if that’s where we’re going, we have to accept it and move with the times. I hope it’s not where we’re going,” he added.
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