A letter to Test cricket, from WTC25 Finalists South Africa

As the ICC World Test Championship Final nears, South Africa’s top cricketers have opened up about their deep affection for Test cricket. Their respect and adulation for the longest format of the game offer a reminder as to why the five-day contest remains an endearing part of the game.

Pacer Lungi Ngidi, who made his Test debut in 2018, shares a deep personal connection with the format, as it was the first version of the game he ever experienced live. “I love Test cricket because it was the first-ever format of the game that I witnessed and watched live at the stadium — and I’ve just loved it ever since,” Ngidi says.

Having picked up 55 wickets from 19 Test matches, the right-arm quick believes the format is a true reflection of his strengths as a bowler. “I think it brings out the best in me as a player. It showcases my skills, patience and accuracy – that’s how I see myself as a bowler, and Test cricket brings that out perfectly.”

On the opposite end, one of the most experienced batters of the Proteas squad, Aiden Markram, is hooked to the demanding nature of the format. “I love Test cricket because it's the ultimate test of a batsman's game. Long periods of time, concentration levels and obviously the batting skills to go with it to perform, so that's what I enjoy the most about it.”

David Bedingham, who made his Test debut in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, and has 12 appearances to his name, finds his love for the format rooted in its all-round demands. “I love Test cricket because it tests everything you're about mentally, physically, and it's just very, very tough.”

Kyle Verreynne, who stepped up to fill the wicket-keeper batter role following Quinton de Kock’s Test retirement in 2021, is also a fan of the red-ball format. For Verreynne, the emotional ebbs and flows of life, characterised by Test cricket, make it all the more special.

“I love Test cricket because the rewards are incredible. It has taught me patience, resilience, the value of hard work, and that you're never truly out of the game. It’s also taught me to enjoy the successes and appreciate the lows.”

An attacking batter by nature, Tony de Zorzi might not fit the traditional mould of a classical Test opener. However, his deep appreciation for what he calls the game's most authentic format has cemented his place in the Proteas setup. “It is the purest form of the game,” he believes.

After making his debut in 2019, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder spent nearly a year and a half away from South Africa’s Test setup. But since his return, he has made a strong impact with both bat and ball, scoring 589 runs and taking 30 wickets from 18 Tests.

His consistent performances have carried over into other formats as well, and Mulder credits the demands of Test cricket for shaping his overall game. “It tests your character, skills, talent, and mindset — all together. It’s the hardest format of the game, and that’s pretty much why I love it.”

Another swashbuckling Proteas batter, Tristan Stubbs - renowned worldwide as a fearless and ruthless white-ball cricketer - prioritises red-ball cricket, which he believes shapes a cricketer across all departments. “I love Test cricket because it’s the biggest challenge in the game. It tests you physically, mentally, and challenges your technique.

As the players prepare to battle for the ICC World Test Championship Mace, they aim to make history by delivering in the Ultimate Test to clinch the format’s most prized possession.