Cricket
We want to play more Test says Verreynne
Proteas Test wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne reflects on the series win in the Carribean. Verreynne who was recently awarded Player of the Year at the Western Province Cricket Association awards on Saturday gave his thoughts on the current Test schedule and the Cricket South Africa contract system.
Kyle Verreynne//Getty Images
Proteas vs West Indies Test Series Recap
"It was quite a good tour maybe a little bit frustrating with the first game being rained out. For the most part of the game we dominated and on top. Something that we spoke about was to get an away series win, its always really difficult in the Carribean. I mean we've seen teams like England go over there and struggle to get results so for us coming back with a series win is really positive. With quite a newish squad, it was a good tour. Most guys will leave the tour sort of in a good space which is really good for us."
Verreynne in the two match series vs West Indies scored 119 runs in 3 innings. Scoring a well played half century in the 2nd game where they sealed the series 1-0.
I'm reasonably happy with my performance, every time when you look on your performances I just try to look where I can improve but going into the series if you said I would average 40, I would take it. Overall I am happy, especially in the second game where the contributions weren't quite as high. From a personal point of view I am really but still got work to do. I got a good chat with the coaching staff as well so I am quite happy how things have gone.
Verreynne
Cricket Test Schedule
There has been a massive outcry from players and fans of Test cricket as Cricket South Africa revealed the Test schedule and there were few tests this season than in the past.
"I don't think its good at all, you play a 2 game series. The team and players cant really get momentum. We felt after the second test we were getting our stride and starting to build then its over. Its definitely frustrating. The gap between series', yes there was the New Zealand series [February 2024] but we played against India in Jan [January] and its another 6 or 7 months till we play our next series which was now against the West Indies. Play 2 tests then you got to wait another month and half. We got quite a young side which is looking to build and develop...its difficult to get momentum. Its something we have to get used to and the next 3-4 years has already been planned out."
"From a players point of view, its not ideal. Its definitely not something any of us enjoy too much.
National Player Contracts Snub
Cricket South Africa released a list of all contracted players who received National Contracts. Verreynne who is currently didn't receive a National contract together with David Bedingham who is nominated by CSA as the Newcomer of the Year and Test Player of the Year. Players who played in the red ball format only were not considered.
"[Laughs] Its difficult one to answer. I actually don't know the criteria is for when they [CSA] put those names out. I think for guys that play one format at like myself, David and one or two others, it is difficult because there isn't as much red ball cricket and it would be difficult to justify giving someone a contract if he plays 3 or 4 games for the year. There are obviously guys who feel like they deserve it, especially someone like David who is going to be regular now for the next couple of years. Obviously I don't know the criteria so it would be difficult to say if its fair or not".
Nathan has over a decade of knowledge and experience, both as a former professional sportsperson and journalist. Nathan, a former radio sports presenter and producer is an award-winning community radio sports producer/presenter.