Steve Waugh has launched a scathing attack on some of the game's governing bodies, taking aim at the recent Test squads named by the West Indies and South Africa
The former Australian captain, who has been one of the longer format's longest-standing campaigners, took to social media on Monday to question the future of the red-ball game for some of the lower-ranked nations.
After the West Indies revealed an under-strength lineup for the two-game showdown with Australia later this month, the Proteas revealed seven potential debutants for their upcoming tour of New Zealand - including new captain Neil Brand - in another low for Test cricket.
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"Is this a defining moment in the death of Test cricket," Waugh said via his Instagram account.
"Surely the ICC along the cricket boards of India, England and Australia must step in to protect the purest form of the game.
"A premium, equal match fee for all Test players might be a good starting point. History and tradition must count for something.
"If we stand by and allow profits to be the defining criteria the legacy of Bradman, Grace and Sobers will be irrelevant."
Waugh's comments come after retiring opening batter David Warner also raised concerns over the future of the format, admitting the new crop of players face "tough decisions" whether to take big-money deals in T20 leagues or represent their country in Tests.
South Africa's series against the Black Caps will see the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Dean Elgar remain at home, with the country's domestic T20 competition coinciding with the tour.
On the other side of the coin, former Windies captain Jason Holder has withdrawn himself from selection to face the Aussies, instead opting to focus on his short-form ambitions.
"Obviously they don't care," Waugh told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"If I was New Zealand I wouldn't even play the series. Why would you when it shows a lack of respect for New Zealand cricket?
"It's pretty obvious what the problem is. The West Indies aren't sending their full-strength side (to Australia). They haven't picked a full-strength Test team for a couple of years now.
"Someone like Nicholas Pooran is really a Test batsman who doesn't play Test cricket. Jason Holder, probably their best player, is not playing now. Even Pakistan didn't send a full side.
"If the ICC or someone doesn't step in shortly then Test cricket doesn't become Test cricket, because you're not testing yourself against the best players.
"I understand why players don't come, they're not getting paid properly."
South Africa recently defeated India in convincing fashion, but just two players from the XI will line up against the Black Caps.
Meantime, the Windies have struggled to keep their biggest names in the lineup for a number of years, leading to a continued lack of positive results.
Steve Waugh has launched a scathing attack on some of the game's governing bodies, taking aim at the recent Test squads named by the West Indies and South Africa
The former Australian captain, who has been one of the longer format's longest-standing campaigners, took to social media on Monday to question the future of the red-ball game for some of the lower-ranked nations.
After the West Indies revealed an under-strength lineup for the two-game showdown with Australia later this month, the Proteas revealed seven potential debutants for their upcoming tour of New Zealand - including new captain Neil Brand - in another low for Test cricket.
LIVE: Follow all the action from United Cup, Brisbane International
READ MORE: David Warner announces ODI retirement
READ MORE: Djokovic dubs Australia 'happy place' after stellar win
"Is this a defining moment in the death of Test cricket," Waugh said via his Instagram account.
"Surely the ICC along the cricket boards of India, England and Australia must step in to protect the purest form of the game.
"A premium, equal match fee for all Test players might be a good starting point. History and tradition must count for something.
"If we stand by and allow profits to be the defining criteria the legacy of Bradman, Grace and Sobers will be irrelevant."
Waugh's comments come after retiring opening batter David Warner also raised concerns over the future of the format, admitting the new crop of players face "tough decisions" whether to take big-money deals in T20 leagues or represent their country in Tests.
South Africa's series against the Black Caps will see the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Dean Elgar remain at home, with the country's domestic T20 competition coinciding with the tour.
On the other side of the coin, former Windies captain Jason Holder has withdrawn himself from selection to face the Aussies, instead opting to focus on his short-form ambitions.
"Obviously they don't care," Waugh told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"If I was New Zealand I wouldn't even play the series. Why would you when it shows a lack of respect for New Zealand cricket?
"It's pretty obvious what the problem is. The West Indies aren't sending their full-strength side (to Australia). They haven't picked a full-strength Test team for a couple of years now.
"Someone like Nicholas Pooran is really a Test batsman who doesn't play Test cricket. Jason Holder, probably their best player, is not playing now. Even Pakistan didn't send a full side.
"If the ICC or someone doesn't step in shortly then Test cricket doesn't become Test cricket, because you're not testing yourself against the best players.
"I understand why players don't come, they're not getting paid properly."
South Africa recently defeated India in convincing fashion, but just two players from the XI will line up against the Black Caps.
Meantime, the Windies have struggled to keep their biggest names in the lineup for a number of years, leading to a continued lack of positive results.
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