More Tests would be nice for Nortje

ANRICH NORTJE has called upon cricket’s authorities to give South Africa the number of Tests their status merits. Although the Proteas enter the three-match series against England as leaders of the World Test Championship, they get fewer opportunities than the big three of England, India and Australia.

‘If we play six in a year and you guys play 15, I don’t see that being fair,’ fast bowler Nortje told Sportsmail. ‘Our guys are not going to be as well-known as previous generations if we play 18 games in three years. ‘We want to be the No 1 team in all formats.

It’s unfortunate the way it’s gone but we are very keen to make a mark.’ The numbers back up the claim, with South Africa’s 26 Tests over the past four years dwarfed by the 53 of England, 41 of India and 34 of Australia.

Under the game’s current framework, countries lose money hosting bilateral series that do not involve the wealthy triumvirate, hence South Africa have only two home Tests in two of the next four years. ‘We’re excited to play, excited to be here and go head-to-head with one of the better teams,’ said Nortje. ‘It remains the ultimate format. Day by day your technique gets examined.’