Source : ABC NEWS
Before we get underway today, just a quick word from David Warner, South Africa’s favourite Australian, who has laid into the poor attendances at the cricket so far in the Republic.
In a social media post, Warner asked where the fans are, critiquing the empty stands and lack of atmosphere.
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“We keep hearing how important Test cricket is, but where are the fans in South Africa?” he wrote.
“Empty stands, no atmosphere, and we’re supposed to believe the format is thriving?”
I don’t know if anyone in the T20 age believes the format is “thriving” David, but by all means continue…
“You can’t keep calling Test cricket the pinnacle of the game if no one turns up to watch it.
“Harsh reality, but someone has to say it. Pathetic.”
Harsh from Warner? Probably.
Fair? Probably.
As previously mentioned, it’s no secret that outside of England and Australia, Test cricket is woefully supported.
The reasons are legion and far too many to talk about here with the cricket about to start, but there is a sense of a vicious circle of neglect when it comes to the format outside of the big three.
The first Test in Durban was the first home Test for South Africa in 641 days, the best part of TWO YEARS without a home Test?
Why? Because India, Australia and England take the bulk of the profits from cricket and the smaller nations simply cannot afford to host them any more.
South Africa doesn’t get the high profile series during the height of their summer any more and, without a pattern of Tests at that time, how does one create a culture of going to the Tests?
This, as it happens, could be something Cricket Australia might want to think about given the lack of internationals the women are playing over the summer this year…
Additionally, it’s not even summer in South Africa at the moment! October is the earliest South Africa have played a Test match at home in their history.
So before Mr Warner gets all high and mighty, maybe he might want to think about WHY nobody outside of Australia or England is turning up to Test cricket anymore and offer solutions, instead of just criticism.
