CSA in talks with two countries over more Test cricket in 2023, split Proteas squads also an option

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is talking to two countries over the possibility of securing more Test cricket for the Proteas in 2023.

The next confirmed Test assignment for the national side is a home series against India in December/January, resulting in a total of just four Test matches being played this year.

That scheduling has not gone down well with South African cricket purists, and while options are limited given the packed Future Tours Programme (FTP), Director of Cricket (DoC) Enoch Nkwe says a winter Test series is on the cards.

Nkwe would not reveal which countries South Africa had approached, but he hopes negotiations will result in an added Test window for coach Shukri Conrad and his charges.

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The Proteas beat West Indies 2-0 in their recently-completed series in Conrad's first outing as Test coach, and as things stand, he would have to wait 10 months before his second.

"We're looking at a couple of options," Nkwe told News24.

"We are talking to two countries for Test series over the winter period, and hopefully once something is confirmed we can announce it. If we can't get it over the line, we'll resort to 'A' matches.

"We are looking at one or two other countries to find a small gap to squeeze in two or three Tests. Some countries are quite keen - it's just how we fit it into the approved FTP. There is appetite, which is exciting."

Now fully into his work as DoC, Nkwe is passionate about South Africa's red-ball development and has committed to creating opportunities for players even if CSA can't land any more Tests.

"There are still opportunities at a South Africa 'A' level, which would help strengthen the base for our red-ball cricket," he said.

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