Heinrich Klaasen lashes out at South Africa’s schedule, wants more cricket across formats

Heinrich Klaasen played a scintillating knock of 41 runs off 22 deliveries in the third T20I against India in Centurion, but the Proteas ended up suffering an 11-run defeat. With that, the visitors managed to take a 2-1 lead over South Africa, which means, that the Aiden Markram-led side has no chance of winning the series against India, as it consists of only four games. As per Klaasen, ‘it’s annoying’ and hopes that the situation changes in the coming time.

The swashbuckling batter added that South Africa don’t play a five-match T20I series anymore, which is something he is extremely unhappy about. He also reminded that the Test team plays only a two-match series against India, which is ‘disappointing’ as he wants to play more cricket against quality opponents.

“That's the nature of where we are as South African cricket. We don't play five-match series any more. How nice would it be if we win on Friday, and then we have another game on Sunday, going into it two-all?” Klaasen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

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“Our Test team is playing two-test series, which is ridiculous in my eyes. It's disappointing, and it doesn't sit well with the players, because we want to play more cricket against these guys, and against the other countries as well, but we always find a way to just play two games or three games, and it's annoying,” he added.

Notably, South Africa were asked to chase 220 runs in the second innings. The openers gave them a decent start but the Proteas needed something extraordinary. Klaasen provided and kept the hosts in the hunt but after his dismissal, it was thought to be over for South Africa. However, all-rounder Marco Jansen played a breathtaking knock of 54 runs off 17 deliveries but it wasn’t enough in the end as India picked up a close win.