Anrich Nortje demands more Tests for South Africa 

image-l6uluhxeNortje alongside Dean Elgar

South Africa pace spearhead Anrich Nortje feels that it is unfair for the South African team to play less number of Test matches in comparison with England, India, and Australia.

During the time period of 2019-2022, the Proteas have only played 19 Tests, while England, India, and Australia have played 36, 26, and 20 Tests respectively in the same period.

Speaking on the same to Sportsmail, Nortje said the current crop of South African cricketers will not get a chance to replicate their predecessors' legacy if they play fewer Tests than other Test-playing nations. 

We want to be the No. 1 team in all formats: Nortje

“If we play six in a year and you guys play 15 in a year, I don’t see that being fair. Our guys are not going to be as well-known as previous generations if we play 18 games in three years or something like that. 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. It would be nice to be able to play more Test cricket, not just two-match series,”  Anrich Nortje told Sportsmail.

image-l6uod7fpNortje spearheads Proteas attack alongside Rabada

Nortje, who hasn't played a Test since June 2021 is excited about the opportunity to play Test cricket in England. 

“The players themselves are really excited and want to play Test cricket. We’re excited to play, excited to be here, and go head-to-head with one of the better teams at this stage," he added.

The visiting Proteas team will be playing their sixth Test of 2022 when they take on England at Lord's in the first Test of the three-match series starting August 17.

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