IND vs SA: Why Temba Bavuma felt ‘jealousy’ after watching Ashes

South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma expressed frustration on Friday about the ongoing two-Test series against India, comparing it to the ongoing five-match Ashes series between England and Australia. As the leader of the World Test Championship winning team, Bavuma questioned why South Africa receives limited Test matches despite their strong performance in the traditional format.

The disparity in Test series length is tied directly to the financial capabilities of cricket nations. Five-match series like the Ashes, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy are commercially viable, while other nations typically receive two-Test series against India.


"We woke up this morning to watch the Ashes. We watched with a bit of jealousy, knowing that they were playing five Tests. They'll be going at each other," Bavuma said.

The South African captain hopes for longer series against India in the future. "Hopefully, not too far in the future, but more in the near future, we'll go back to play four tests against India."

Players have limited influence over scheduling decisions, according to Bavuma. "Players are not involved when it comes to mapping out the schedule. I think every of our players who have had the opportunity to interact with the media, have had that question in front of them. They have voiced out their frustration."

Two-Test series increase the likelihood of drawn results compared to longer series formats.

"Look, however way the series goes, 1-1, 2-0, it would be nice for a three-Test series against a formidable team like India. And it's just good for the fans, really, when people get to see good cricket, one team dominating, another team dominating. But there also being an opportunity for one team to come out as victors," Bavuma explained.

The Proteas captain believes continued strong performance could lead to more extended series opportunities.

"Like I've already said, as players, all we can do is what we've been trying to do out on the field, keep playing good cricket. That will attract the top nations and other nations to play a lot more cricket."

India's two-Test series pattern extends to other cricket nations including New Zealand, West Indies, and Bangladesh.

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