South African legend Graeme Smith said that India led the way in the development of Test Cricket under Former Indian Captain Virat Kohli.
Smith also predict that Five or six Nations would likely to play test cricket for next year.
“With Test cricket, it’s just iconic nations or the big cricketing nations that are contributing to Test cricket at the moment,” Smith said on ‘Sky Sports’ during day three of the first Test between South Africa and England.
Smith feels under Virat Kohli India takes Test Cricket seriously.
“I think it’s fantastic especially under Virat Kohli that India really took Test cricket seriously. They lead the way with that.
“But as long as we’ve got competitive teams, you’re not going to have 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 competitive teams. You might only be down to five or six nations that play Test cricket at this level,” Smith added.
Recently Greame Smith appointed as League Commissioner of South Africa’s New T20 League.
All the Teams in CSA T20 league are brought by IPL Franchises.
“It’s certainly going to be an investment into our game that South African cricket desperately needed,” Smith said.
“The pressures on nations like New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa to stay financially sustainable to keep up with England, India, and the world game to stay competitive is hugely important.
“I don’t think world cricket can afford South Africa or any one of the top nations to start fading away.”
CSA also take a Decision that they will not play the ODI series against Australia in January 2023 to give time to there new T20 League.
“For four weeks of an entire year, the priority will be the league. Also I feel that if we hadn’t done this South African cricket could have probably lost eight to ten players to this UAE league,” Smith said.
“People also look at those three ODIs wrong. Yes, South Africa hasn’t handled ODI cricket as well and it should never be in this position. But for South Africa to be in Australia out of their key part of the summer financially is a huge stress for them.
“It’s like asking England not to play during your summer. The commitment that South African cricket made to go for the three Test matches is good for the game. It’s something that won’t happen often.”
