Graeme Smith, a legend in his native South Africa, claims that India led the way in the growth of Test cricket under former captain Virat Kohli. Smith predicts that only five or six nations will likely play the longest format in the coming years.
Only a select few countries, in Smith’s opinion, are now advancing Test cricket.
On day three of the first Test between South Africa and England, Smith observed on “Sky Sports,” “With Test cricket, it’s mainly iconic nations or the big cricketing nations that are contributing to Test cricket at the moment.”
The 41-year-old believes that India treated Test cricket seriously under Kohli.
The longest format of the game has been led by Kohli. Along with several notable Test victories, he guided India to the World Test Championships’ inaugural final.
“I think it’s amazing that India really embraced Test cricket seriously, especially under Virat Kohli. With that, they set the bar high.
“But you won’t have 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 competitive teams as long as we have competitive teams. There may only be five or six countries left that participate in Test cricket at this level, Smith continued.
Smith, who was recently named the league’s commissioner, hailed the investment, which he felt the nation’s cricket body “desperately needed.” IPL owners have purchased all six clubs in Cricket South Africa’s new T20 league.
