'You don't find Kohli and the boys putting out Test cricket for BBL': Former South Africa all-rounder Brian McMillan

Reacting to veteran South African players preferring the SA20 league over the Test series against New Zealand, former Proteas cricketer Brian McMillan gave the example of Virat Kohli and said that Test cricket will remain the “ultimate game” despite being threatened. Cricket South Africa (CSA) recently announced a second-string side, led by Neil Brand, to tour New Zealand for a two-Test series in February. The second edition of the SA20 is scheduled to start on Wednesday (10 January), with the final slated for 10 February. Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval will host the first New Zealand-South Africa Test, followed by the second Test at Hamilton’s Seddon Park from 13 February. “I think it’s a world feel that you have to give priority to one’s country and I think India has been doing it quite well. You finding Kohli and boys playing Test cricket is great. You don’t find them putting out Tests to play BBL (T20 leagues). Test cricket will be threatened, but I suppose, it will remain the ultimate game,” McMillan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Heinrich Klaasen recently retired from Tests after having just played four Tests since his debut in 2019, and reacting to that, McMillan said: “I hope modern players are making enough money otherwise it’s very difficult to do business. It is very hard on players. One of our guys (Heinrich Klaasen) retired now and will obviously play in the T20 league and I have got my views on how countries should run their players in essence. People make a name on essence.” Many have been critical of CSA’s decision to send a second strong side to Kiwiland, with former Australia cricketer Steve Waugh terming it as a step towards the “death of Test cricket”. However, former Proteas captain Graeme Smith, who is also the commissioner of SA20, felt that due to the short four-week window of SA20, there would still be a “lot of chance” for players to play Test cricket. “South African cricket has made a commitment that SA20 is a big part of its future and gives it the best chance to succeed. I believe it’s just four weeks a year and there would be a lot of chance to play Test cricket,” Smith had said. South Africa’s recent Test assignment was the two-match series against India at home. The series ended 1-1 with South Africa winning the first Test in Centurion inside three days, and India clinching the Cape Town Test in just two days.