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.”
