OPINION: There’s just nothing better than Test cricket

I vividly remember my first day in the Wanderers press box, fresh out of my role as cricket correspondent. I was greeted by the team's chief editor, Trevor Stevens, who had welcomed me with the same seat I'd replaced. As I sat in the second row on the right, I began to grasp the nuances, traditions, and structures of Test cricket.

Journalists are provided with a tie, a symbol of respect for the game, though I, being a bit of a hooligan, never wore one. However, the most important lesson I learned was to refrain from clapping. Applauding a well-played shot or a great ball is acceptable, but you should never clap during the game itself. Respecting the unwritten rules is crucial, and I often found myself breaking them, such as missing the first ball of a day's play – a clear transgression.

Test cricket is the epitome of competitive sport, and its traditions and unwritten rules should be cherished. Unfortunately, with the overwhelming focus on limited overs cricket, South African fans have missed out on the true essence of the game. It has been nearly two years since the Proteas played a Test series at home, but the ongoing series against Australia has reminded us of the immense value of the five-day format.

While limited overs games are thrilling and attract new fans, there is simply no match for the quality of a Test series. There have been some challenges, like the subpar light conditions in Durban and the rain disruption in Gqeberha. Nonetheless, both games delivered results, with Australia securing a win at Kingsmead and South Africa responding strongly at St George’s Park.

The third Test in Cape Town was a true gem, filled with the ebb and flow that every spectator craves. Test cricket is never easy, and it tests your mettle. You battle, you lose your footing, you fight back, and you dig deep. Witnessing the intense back-and-forth between the world's top two teams has brought back memories of my initial day at the Wanderers.

It's simply impossible to beat Test cricket. It stands as the epitome of competitive sport, and it is worth loving.