‘Sad to see’: Michael Clarke’s radical plan to save Test cricket amid ‘flabbergasting’ move

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke says the latest sign of Test cricket’s demise is “sad to see” and suggested a radical plan to save it.

Michael Clarke says “it’s sad to see” South Africa’s shock squad announcement for the tour of New Zealand signal the likely demise of Test cricket.

The cricket world reacted with sadness and anger when South Africa unveiled a squad for next month’s Test series against the Kiwis that has been described as a C-grade team.

Watch Australia vs Pakistan on Kayo Sports. Every Test match Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

The national team was ravaged by a ruling from Cricket South Africa which determined no players contracted to SA20 franchises were eligible for selection. From the side which just beat India, only Keegan Petersen and David Bedingham remain.

It is a remarkable indication of South Africa’s priorities given they currently lead the 2023-25 World Test Championship standings (with one win from one Test).

“It’s sad to see to be honest,” Clarke told ESPN’s Around the Wicket.

“I understand South Africa’s reasoning but Test cricket is the pinnacle in my eyes.

“No domestic competition in the world should come in front of it in my opinion. Playing for your country is the most important thing.

“It’s sad to see this is the case. I understand from South Africa’s point of view but imagine if Australia, India, England did it.

Michael Clarke fears for the future of Test cricket. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“It’s already hard enough for fans to see your international team not at full strength playing a handful of One-Dayers or T20s in a series. Fans want to see the best players play.

“But there’s no doubt if the best player’s not being picked for their country in Test cricket, it’s an uphill battle.”

Former Australian player Callum Ferguson said: “It’s a huge warning flare for the whole of international cricket.

“It’s absolutely flabbergasting to us in Australia but it’s a dose of reality for us that this is a bigger issue than a lot of us haven’t been willing to accept.”

Legendary Australian captain Steve Waugh slammed South Africa for its squad and called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pay players from all countries the same premium match fee to help keep Test cricket alive.

Clarke agreed, saying: “I don’t think there’s too many people around the world that don’t fear where Test cricket’s going.

“We need to try and find a solution. It seems like a lot of things in life, money seems to be that solution.

“Let’s start by paying every single Test cricketer the same amount of money in regards to match fee. Let’s not prioritise Australia, England and India. Let’s make sure every country gets that same fee.

South Africa is seconding a second-string team to New Zealand. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

“I think there’s a lot more to it. South African cricket have obviously invested a lot of money into this T20 tournament and they can’t afford their big players to miss it.

“Prioritising that over Test cricket is a big change. It’s not something I’m comfortable with but if that’s where we’re going, we have to accept it and move with the times. I hope it’s not where we’re going.”

Waugh said: “If the ICC or someone doesn’t step in shortly then Test cricket doesn’t become Test cricket because you’re not testing yourself against the best players.

“I understand why players don’t come. They’re not getting paid properly. I don’t understand why ICC or the top countries who are making a lot of money don’t just have a regulation set fee for Test matches which is a premium, so people are incentivised to play Test Cricket.

“Otherwise they just play T10 or T20. The public are the ones who are going to suffers because it’s not the full side playing, so it’s not Test cricket.”