South Africa's Anrich Nortje: Authorities should give us more Tests

Anrich Nortje has called upon cricket's authorities to give South Africa the number of Tests their current status merits.

Although the Proteas enter the three-match series against England as leaders of the World Test Championship, this is not reflected in bilateral series, in which they get fewer opportunities than the big three of England, India and Australia.

'If we play six in a year and you guys play 15 in a year, I don't see that being fair,' fast bowler Nortje told Sportsmail. '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.'

The numbers back up the claim, with South Africa's 26 Tests over the past four years dwarfed by the 53 of England and 41 of India. Even though Australia barely left home during the pandemic, they still clocked up 34.

Under the world game's current framework, individual countries lose money hosting bilateral series that do not involve the wealthy triumvirate, hence it is understood that South Africa have only two home Tests lined up in two of the four years of the next Future Tours Programme.

Video: England's Leah Williamson: 'We're confident and in good form' (Daily Mail)

Xavi calls from calm after disappointing draw against Rayo

Moment explosion tears through market in Armenia's capital Yerevan

Residents of Moncayo mountains evacuated amid relentless wildfire

Tourists and boat owners playfully interact with Freya the Walrus

Wide load shuts M53 as giant part of £45m furnace is moved to Stanlow refinery

Energy Minister: