Former cricket legend lambasts Apex Cricket Council over South Africa’s team selection for New Zealand tour

South African Cricket surprised the world by naming a whole new Test squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour. Uncapped Neil Brand will lead the side with Khaya Zondo, Dane Patterson, and Duane Olivier the known faces. 

This move has angered quite a few cricket purists, who have come out and lambasted South Africa’s cricket body. Most of the mainstream South Africans will be involved in the second season of the SA20 league. 

As per the contracts drawn up by the South African Board, a player centrally contracted is liable to play in the league. One cricket legend though isn’t happy with the move and has called out the Apex Cricket Body on his Instagram page. 

Steve Waugh blasts Apex Cricket Council –

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh is unhappy with the South African team chosen for the New Zealand tour. Only a handful of players have Test experience while the new skipper Neil Brand is yet to make his Test Debut.

Taking to his Instagram page, Waugh said, “Is this a defining moment in the death of Test Cricket? Surely the Apex Body, along with the boards of India, England, and Australia must step in to protect the purest form of the game.”

Steve Waugh, who is known as one of the greatest captains in the game, also wrote, “A premium, equal match fee for all Test players might be a good starting point. History and tradition must count for something. If we stand by and allow profits to be the defining criteria then the legacy of Bradman, Grace, and Sobers will be irrelevant.” 

 Meanwhile, South African Test coach, Shukri Conrad has come out and backed the team selected for the tour. The team led by Neil Brand will see some new faces don their national jerseys for the first time. 

Speaking to the media, Mr. Conrad said, “The players selected for this tour have every chance of challenging New Zealand”. The statement though comes as a damage control with scores of cricket purists scoffing at this latest move from the Proteas.

Ahead of the SA20 League and New Zealand tour, South Africa has one final challenge. The second and final Test versus India begins on the 3^rd of January in Cape Town. Team India will want to upset the hosts in the New Year by claiming a win after their comprehensive loss in the first test.