South Africa set to send B-team for New Zealand Tests

South Africa is all set to take on New Zealand for a two-match Test series in February 2024. It is worth noting that the two World Test Championship fixtures will be played from February 4, 2024.

However, in recent news, it was revealed that South Africa will be sending their B-team for the two-match Test series after the fixtures for the upcoming SA20 season were released. Cricket South Africa’s chief executive, Pholetsi Moseki, came forward to confirm that none of the players who are contracted with the various SA20 franchises will feature in the Proteas’ squad for the New Zealand Tests.

Notably, the upcoming SA20 season will begin on January 10, with the summit clash scheduled for February 10. The dates of the tournament will overlap with the Test matches, which is why a below-strength squad could take the field in February.

It is a directive of Cricket South Africa: Moseki

Speaking of the same, Moseki came forward to reflect on how the tight schedule of the SA20 would restrict many players from travelling to New Zealand. Earlier, Cricket South Africa also tried to negotiate a change in dates for the Test matches, however, New Zealand Cricket did not waver.

“It is a directive of Cricket South Africa that, because of the time zones, players need at least a week to acclimatise in New Zealand, so it will not be possible for some SA20 players to join the team for at least the second Test,” Pholetsi Moseki was quoted as saying by the Yahoo News. 

Furthermore, the two Test matches come as a result of South Africa’s plan to reduce their Test schedule to accommodate SA20 as a big part of their season. 

“I have faith in our pipeline. It shows what the narrative is when it comes to Test cricket, and again, it’s the players who suffer. A high percentage of the players still really want to play Test cricket,” Moseki concluded.