SA’s hands tied over squad for New Zealand — coach
Shukri Conrad says that criticism of the controversial move is unfounded and unfair
04 January 2024 - 17:11
by Nick Said
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Protea head coach Shukri Conrad at the post match press conference during day 2 of the 2nd Test match between South Africa and India at Newlands Cricket Ground on January 04 2024. Picture: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
Cape Town — SA have no alternative but to send a second-string squad to New Zealand for two tests next month, and criticism of the controversial move is unfounded and unfair, coach Shukri Conrad said on Thursday.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh suggested New Zealand should refuse to play the series after SA named seven uncapped players in a 14-man selection for the matches starting on February 4. Several other commentators have also been critical of the move.
The fixtures clash with Cricket South Africa’s domestic Twenty20 competition, which is seen as vital to the future financial health of an organisation that has been struggling for several years.
The country’s leading players will therefore stay at home and skip the overlapping tour.
“I love how everyone outside the country have become experts on SA cricket,” Conrad told reporters. “Our hand has been forced. Everyone understands the SA20 has to happen. It is the lifeblood of local cricket. If it doesn’t happen, we won’t have Test cricket anyway.”
Cricket South Africa said they sought alternative dates for the tour to no avail.
Conrad backed the players that were selected with only batter David Bedingham starting the seven-wicket loss to India in Cape Town that levelled their two-match series at 1-1.
“It is still SA going to New Zealand. We sing the same national anthem and wear the same national team blazer. Anything we come back with, a draw or if we can sneak a win, that will be massive for us,” said the coach.
He confirmed the team will leave for Christchurch on January 19. New Zealand Cricket told Reuters on Thursday they look forward to hosting the tour.
Conrad will enjoy playing on more sporting wickets than the one at Newlands, which resulted in the shortest yet Test in which there has been a positive result.
“It is a sad state of affairs when you need more luck than skill to survive in a Test match,” Conrad said of the loss. “Take nothing away from India. They were superb. But you are not going to win many tests scoring 55 (in the first innings).
“This has come as a shock to the system, but I will not lay the blame on our playing XI.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
SA’s hands tied over squad for New Zealand — coach
Shukri Conrad says that criticism of the controversial move is unfounded and unfair
Cape Town — SA have no alternative but to send a second-string squad to New Zealand for two tests next month, and criticism of the controversial move is unfounded and unfair, coach Shukri Conrad said on Thursday.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh suggested New Zealand should refuse to play the series after SA named seven uncapped players in a 14-man selection for the matches starting on February 4. Several other commentators have also been critical of the move.
The fixtures clash with Cricket South Africa’s domestic Twenty20 competition, which is seen as vital to the future financial health of an organisation that has been struggling for several years.
The country’s leading players will therefore stay at home and skip the overlapping tour.
“I love how everyone outside the country have become experts on SA cricket,” Conrad told reporters. “Our hand has been forced. Everyone understands the SA20 has to happen. It is the lifeblood of local cricket. If it doesn’t happen, we won’t have Test cricket anyway.”
Cricket South Africa said they sought alternative dates for the tour to no avail.
Conrad backed the players that were selected with only batter David Bedingham starting the seven-wicket loss to India in Cape Town that levelled their two-match series at 1-1.
“It is still SA going to New Zealand. We sing the same national anthem and wear the same national team blazer. Anything we come back with, a draw or if we can sneak a win, that will be massive for us,” said the coach.
He confirmed the team will leave for Christchurch on January 19. New Zealand Cricket told Reuters on Thursday they look forward to hosting the tour.
Conrad will enjoy playing on more sporting wickets than the one at Newlands, which resulted in the shortest yet Test in which there has been a positive result.
“It is a sad state of affairs when you need more luck than skill to survive in a Test match,” Conrad said of the loss. “Take nothing away from India. They were superb. But you are not going to win many tests scoring 55 (in the first innings).
“This has come as a shock to the system, but I will not lay the blame on our playing XI.”
Reuters
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