NEIL MANTHORP: England and the Proteas: as different as a squire and a squatter
SA are not pressing for a place in the world Test final for cash and glory, but to keep the format alive at home
At risk of stating the obvious, the greatest single difference between England’s and SA’s approach to the current Test series is based on the fact that the result has no material value to the home team, and goes beyond mere financial riches for the touring team.
England were at the rock-bottom of Test cricket’s pecking order at the start of the summer with no prospect of contesting the World Test Championship (WTC) final. But Test cricket in England is as rudely safe in its future as the lorded ladies and gentry of the squires. The Test team had nothing to lose by adopting a brave, new approach. Even if they lost more matches. Because they were losing anyway. ..
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