It is the responsibility of all Test-playing countries to protect the longest format of the game: Rohit Sharma

India's second Test against South Africa begins on Wednesday, January 3, and it will take place at Newlands, Cape Town. The tourists suffered a thrashing in the first game in Centurion, as they lost by an innings and 32 runs. India have been able to avoid a series defeat on South African soil on only one occasion (2010-2011) since 1992. Rohit Sharma and Co. have a chance to level the series with a solid performance in Cape Town, but they will have to be at their best to do so.

Ahead of the commencement of the second encounter, India captain Rohit spoke about the importance of preserving Test cricket. The relevance of Test cricket has once again come under the scanner after the Proteas named seven uncapped players in their squad that will travel to New Zealand to play a two-match Test series. This is because the regular Test stars will be busy playing in the second edition of the SA20. Rohit urged all Test-playing nations to unitedly fight and protect the purest format of the game.

"Test cricket is something that we have to protect and give importance to. It's not the responsibility of one or two nations, it is the responsibility of all Test-playing countries to make sure that we keep it nice and entertaining," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference.

India have been one of the most consistent Test sides in world cricket. They made it to the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) in the last couple of editions. However, they finished second on both runs. The Asian giants are currently the No. 1 ranked Test team in the world.

"If you see around the world, a lot of solid Test cricket is being played. In the last 2-3 years, you've seen results everywhere. It's competitive cricket, we know that and it's everyone's duty to make sure that it stays nice and healthy, and it stays competitive," Rohit added.