The newly appointed Proteas test coach, Shukri Conrad, has been open and honest about how he plans on reviving the Test side. In an exclusive interview with CFM, he detailed his approach to transformation.
Test cricket in South Africa has been in turmoil for several years, needing a saviour to step in and rescue the side from despair.
The blame for poor results in the past has often been shifted from coaches to players and even selectors by passionate cricket lovers in the country.
In the midst of it all, the term “transformation” has raised even more, with many, even ex-players, questioning the selections of certain players of colour within the side.
Under the new tutelage of Shukri Conrad, who believes in an open and honest policy when it comes to uncomfortable conversations, one thing’s for sure: transformation will happen based only on good performances and players putting their hands up.
Speaking exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine, Conrad said the narrative around transformation and labelling players of colour as “quota” players needed to change, and all cultures in the team must be embraced.
“The culture is critical for me, and that would be the first thing I’d look to get right,” he said.
“When you sign up or choose to be involved with cricket in South Africa, you need to be understanding of what’s gone before and have a really good grasp of where things are currently.
“Culture is not dependent on the transformation of one side it’s embracing all of the cultures.”
The 55-year-old went on to use an interesting analogy involving Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma.
“When people use the word transformation, they think it’s a lowering of standards.”
He added, “Is Kagiso Rabada a black fast bowler? He is a great fast bowler who happens to be black,” he said.
“Temba Bavuma is a batter that happens to be black – for me, that’s the narrative that needs to change.
“It’s not an achievement if you’re pro-transformation – it’s your responsibility,” he emphasized.
Conrad, who was revealed as the new coach by CSA on Monday, also added that players will be selected on merit and that runs had to “stack up” for players to be considered.
“International cricket is not a finishing school when it comes to international cricket, they must be the finished article.
“We will select what we believe are the best players to represent our country; the numbers need to stack up for you to be selected for South Africa,” he said.
Conrad has described his philosophy as “simple,” and understands the challenge that lies ahead. With the team low on confidence and cricket fans in South Africa demanding results, it is surely the perfect time to press the “reset button,” he added.
ALSO READ: “MY PHILOSOPHY IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE” – SHUKRI CONRAD, PROTEAS TEST COACH
Conrad will take charge of the ODI squad set to face England later this month. Thereafter, he will shift his focus to the Test side for the upcoming series against the West Indies.
