Cricket Stalwarts Crave More Matches as South Africa Seeks to Rebuild Momentum
South African middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen has voiced the team’s desire for more matches in bilateral series, expressing frustration over the limited number of games they typically play across formats. With the national side struggling to find consistent form, Klaasen believes that increased exposure against top opposition is crucial for building a competitive edge.
Discussing the team’s approach to the fourth and final T20 match against India on Friday, Klaasen lamented the lack of additional fixtures, even if the series outcome is already decided. “That’s the nature of where we are as South African cricket. We don’t play five-match series anymore,” he said after their 11-run defeat in Centurion. “How nice would it be if we win on Friday, and then we have another game on Sunday, going into it two-all?”
Klaasen’s sentiments extend beyond the limited-overs game, as he also criticized the prevalence of shorter Test series. “Our Test team is playing two-Test series, which is ridiculous in my eyes. It’s disappointing, and it doesn’t sit well with the players, because we want to play more cricket against these guys, and against the other countries as well, but we always find a way to just play two games or three games, and it’s annoying.”
The experienced batter, who retired from Tests earlier this year, emphasized the importance of consistent exposure to top opposition across all formats to help the national side build momentum and competitiveness. South Africa have played just a handful of extended bilateral series in recent years, with most limited to three matches or fewer in T20Is and ODIs.
“You see India are playing this Friday and next Friday, which is incredible, on two different sides of the world,” Klaasen noted, drawing attention to the depth required to field competitive teams simultaneously in multiple formats.
As South Africa prepare for their upcoming home Test series, the team management will be mindful of striking the right balance between rest and match practice for their key players. Captain Aiden Markram, in particular, has found himself in a batting slump, though Klaasen defended his teammate’s emotional reaction, emphasizing the immense pressure faced by international cricketers.
With the World Test Championship final still within reach, South Africa will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage and build consistent form through increased playing time against top opposition. The team’s desire for more matches, echoed by Klaasen, underscores their collective ambition to reclaim their standing as a leading cricketing nation.
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