The 2025-27 WTC cycle began on Tuesday and, as it stands, the number of Tests each team plays over the two years varies significantly.

South Africa played 12 matches to qualify for the recent final, the joint-fewest of the nine sides and 10 fewer than England, who played the most, with percentage of points earned used to determine the standings.

There is also a discrepancy in who each nation plays, with some highlighting a favourable schedule for the Proteas in 2023-25 qualifying that meant they played just two home Tests against India and did not face Australia or England at all.

By contrast, in the new cycle they have the two aforementioned Tests in India and host both Australia and England for three Tests apiece in 2026 and early 2027.

“You want to get to that final feeling like you’ve played against all these nations,” De Villiers added.

“Maybe a four-year cycle would be nice. We’ve done that in the past with one-day internationals, so why not in Test cricket?

“It would make sense and it would give the organisers just so much more time to get a really fair, well-balanced system out there.

“It’s a long time until our next Test match, but there’s no doubt it won’t be forgotten.

“I’ve absolutely no doubt the Proteas have sort of stirred the emotions of the South African cricketing fans and they will patiently wait for that next encounter.”

Listen to the full interview with South Africa great AB de Villiers on the Stumped podcast, available on BBC Sounds, from Thursday.