The debate across the concept of a two-tier system for Tests is one among most mentioned subjects in world cricket in the meanwhile, with former gamers voicing themselves out with robust views. In that line, ex-South Africa captain Graeme Smith has expressed his disapproval of the thought, saying that it leaves teams apart from the “top three nations” — India, Australia and England –struggling.
“My answer to that would be we (South Africa) are in the World Test Championship (WTC) final; we’ve got a chance to win the mace. I think that’s the key,” Smith mentioned whereas speaking to Sky Sports, answering how the transfer, if it occurs, will have an effect on South African cricket.
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The Proteas have topped the WTC desk for 2023-25 to qualify for the WTC closing in opposition to Australia in June this 12 months at Lord’s.
“You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, and South Africa have done that. I think over the last couple of years, their win percentages are actually pretty decent if you go and look over a period of time,” mentioned Smith.
Smith mentioned it would not occur in any sport the place the highest three nations are seen going through off “all the time” and that there must be a steadiness that enables different nations to play the massive teams.
The two-tier system for check cricket will separate the highest teams from the remainder, which can see the smaller teams playing one another within the decrease division.
“I also do feel for the ICCI was just looking at a note this morning at how much England and India are playing each other over the next period, and Australia and vice versa. It gets extremely hard for the other nations…,” Smith added.
“India are most likely one of the best as a result of they’re commercially so dependable for the opposite nations. But the place do you discover the highest three nations playing one another on a regular basis? And you can solely think about within the subsequent FTP cycle how that is been tied up within the background.”
He said for the betterment of the sport, teams like South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka need to be backed to keep raising their level of cricket.
“How does the ICC create a construction that is honest within the prime three’s eyes? I feel what world cricket wants is, it wants South Africa robust, wants the West Indies robust, wants Sri Lanka to get higher.
“Otherwise, can you see a world where there are only three nations playing cricket in the future?” he requested to conclude.
