Bavuma emphasized that players have limited influence over scheduling decisions.
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma on Friday (November 21) vented out his frustration about the ongoing two-Test series against India, drawing comparisons with marquee five-match Ashes series between Australia and England.
The World Test Championship winning captain questioned why Proteas gets limited Test matches despite their strong performance in the longest format.
The length of a Test series length is directly proportional to the financial capabilities of cricket nations. Five-match series like the Ashes, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy are commercially viable, while other nations typically receive two-Test series against teams like India, Australia and England.
"We woke up this morning to watch the Ashes. We watched with a bit of jealousy, knowing that they were playing five Tests. They'll be going at each other," Bavuma said in a press conference on the eve of Guwahati Test.
He hoped for longer series against India in the future. "Hopefully, not too far in the future, but more in the near future, we'll go back to play four Tests against India."
Bavuma emphasized that while players can't control schedules, consistent good performance could lead to more extended series opportunities.
"Players are not involved when it comes to mapping out the schedule. I think every of our players who have had the opportunity to interact with the media, have had that question in front of them. They have voiced out their frustration."
"Look, however way the series goes, 1-1, 2-0, it would be nice for a three-Test series against a formidable team like India. And it's just good for the fans, really, when people get to see good cricket, one team dominating, another team dominating. But there also being an opportunity for one team to come out as victors," Bavuma explained.
He further remarked, "Like I've already said, as players, all we can do is what we've been trying to do out on the field, keep playing good cricket. That will attract the top nations and other nations to play a lot more cricket."
Having won the first Test in Kolkata, South Africa have taken an unassailable 1-0 lead over India in the two-match series. The second and final test got underway on November 22 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.