Virat Kohli’s passion for Test cricket is legendary. He became India’s most successful Test captain with little doubt due to the same enthusiasm and determination. Indian cricket achieved incredible heights under Kohli, winning the first-ever Test series in Australia, qualifying for the World Test Championship final, and finishing first in the ICC Test series five years in a row. India was a completely different animal in the Tests under Kohli – untouchable, at home, and a true, serious threat abroad.
While Test cricket flourished in India under Kohli, the current South African cricket team cannot claim the same. The decision by Cricket South Africa to reserve the best players for the SA20 and send a second-string squad to play a Test series against New Zealand has caused quite a stir in the global cricket community. Former captain and Australian great Steve Waugh referred to it as the “first step towards the death of Test cricket,” which reignited the nation vs. T20 argument.
Renowned South African cricketer Brian McMillan offered his thoughts on the story and voiced his dissatisfaction with the state of cricket in his homeland. As an old-school cricket fan, like many of his generation, McMillan believes that nothing compares to the grind of Test cricket, therefore it was not surprising that one of the greatest all-rounders of the 1990s would back the old format. While T20 is crucial for players, he made the point that nothing should be sacrificed in order to maintain the ultimate test.
“If current players aren’t making enough money, doing business will be extremely challenging. The players have it pretty tough. One of our lads, Heinrich Klaasen, has retired and will undoubtedly play in the T20 competition. I have some opinions about the general management of players by nations. People become famous for their essence,” McMillan said to PTI.
“Observe Kohli.”
McMillan, who has played in 38 Test matches and 78 ODIs, used Kohli as an example since he has always put Test cricket first. Before taking on a Test challenge, Kohli rests and reaches his peak every time a significant series is about to begin. After concluding the three Twenty20 Internationals against Afghanistan, he will return for the five Tests against England beginning on January 24. He looked excellent against South Africa in the two-Test series.
It’s a global belief that one must prioritise their country, and India has been doing a pretty good job of it, in my opinion. It’s fantastic that you can see Kohli and the guys play Test cricket. They don’t release tests to participate in BBL. Test cricket will likely face challenges, but it will still be the best game, according to McMillan.
