Shukri Conrad, the Proteas Test coach, feels that the national team and its star players deserve more recognition for their commendable performances.
Conrad highlighted a somewhat subdued response to the Proteas’ convincing victory over India in the Boxing Day Test. He emphasized that while the victory was a team effort, certain individuals who stood out should be particularly celebrated.
Key performances came from Dean Elgar, David Bedingham, and Marco Jansen in batting, while the bowling unit, led by Kagiso Rabada in the first innings and Nandre Burger in both innings, worked in unison to pose a constant threat.
Conrad remarked, “We often admire many international players, and perhaps it’s time we start admiring our own. We’ve shown we can produce talent, but often we’re too humble. We’re quick to praise other players, yet don’t give enough credit to our own, like the recent debutants and Dean Elgar, who were phenomenal.”
Handling an inexperienced squad, Conrad has selected a relatively new team for a Test tour to New Zealand. He congratulated first-time Proteas tour players and expressed confidence in their ability to challenge New Zealand. The experience gained in the recent ‘A’ series against West Indies is expected to be valuable for the upcoming series.
The Proteas squad for the New Zealand tour includes Neil Brand (captain), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, and Khaya Zondo.
