Kagiso Rabada Speaks Out on Scheduling Clash: A Stand for Test Cricket's Integrity
South African Pace Spearhead Expresses Discontent Over SA20 and Test Series Overlap, Defends New Caps
Kagiso Rabada, who is still enraged about the scheduling blunder that cost him and other prominent South African players a two-Test series against New Zealand earlier this year, claims he was not included in the decision-making process for the "unacceptable" mishap.
Even though first-choice players were playing in the SA20 league at home, up to seven uncapped players were named for the World Test Championship series.
In the first Test match at Mount Maunganui, Neil Brand, the Proteas captain in New Zealand, made his debut, and the hosts won the series 2-0 as predicted. Reflecting on that contentious incident, Rabada hoped that players wouldn't have to endure something as unpleasant as that in the future.
It was completely inappropriate and is still wrong now. Clearly, there was a planning problem. It is not appropriate. All I have to say about that is that, said Rabada, one of the best fast bowlers in the world.
The uncapped South African players who found themselves in that unpleasant circumstance due to no fault of their own were also given significant support by Rabada, who is currently playing for Punjab Kings in the upcoming Indian Premier League.
If I may reiterate that statement, criticizing the players is unfair. Saying that those players received free Test caps is unfair.
"I don't think the players should be subjected to that criticism. All they were asked to do was go there, and they ultimately won't refuse.
"It's a planning matter that stems from higher-level events, specifically what transpired with Cricket South Africa." It was essentially two books bound together.
Test cricket suffered as a result of the absence of key South African players, who were essential to the SA20's success.
"In the end, the significance of the SA20 meant that we really had no choice but to travel there, to New Zealand.
The 28-year-old, who rates Test cricket as the top game format, added, "It is like shooting yourself in the foot."
"Test cricket is the origin of cricket, and it's the best format in my opinion.
"I think that Test cricket is the format that all great players who compete in all competitions would agree is their favorite. The same is true for me as well, said Rabada.
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