‘Virat Kohli and Boys Playing Test Cricket is Great, You Don’t Find Them Putting Out Test to Play BBL’ – Former SA Cricketer

Former South African pace bowler Brian McMillian came down hard of Cricket South Africa’s decision to announce a third-string Test squad for their series against New Zealand with an uncapped player Neil Brand being appointed captain owing to the unavailability of most of the first choice and centrally contracted players who have an SA20 contract.

The first-choice players will be playing in South Africa’s premier domestic IPL-style T20 tournament, the dates of which clash with the New Zealand series part of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.

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McMillian, who played alongside Hanise Cronje, and Allan Donald among others in the 90s criticised the policies of Cricket South Africa, stating that you do not see the likes of Virat Kohli and others setting side Test cricket to play T20 leagues.

I have got my views on how countries should run its players in essence. People make a name on essence,” McMillian said in an interview to PTI, adding, “I think it’s a world feel that you have to give priority to one’s country and I think India has been doing it quite well. You finding Kohli and boys playing Test cricket is great.

“You don’t find them putting out Test to play BBL. Test cricket will be threatened, but I suppose, it will remain the ultimate game,” he added.

After his playing days were over McMillian branched out to do MBA and settled with his family business finance, telecom, printers and production machines. When asked why he stayed away from CSA, the 60-year-old mentioned ‘it is too political for me’.

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“I don’t go to the ground as it is too political for me and I have my viewpoints on that. I really love the game and I have my view points on that,” McMillan said.

He also criticised South Africa’s selection policy saying he does not believe there’s equal opportunities for players.

“It’s a case of equal opportunities, and hence, I don’t support SA cricket as I don’t believe there’s equal opportunities. If you look at whole side, if you say everyone is selected on merit, I would say no,” said McMillian on being quizzed whether Temba Bavuma merits being in the side as a captain or a player.

South Africa Squad For NZ Test Series: Neil Brand (captain), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg and Khaya Zondo