Proteas Not Done Yet: Shukri Conrad Eyes 'Best Version' After Australia Win
Following a 2-1 series win over Australia, coach Shukri Conrad discusses the Proteas' quest for a second consecutive WTC title.
South Africa's head coach Shukri Conrad is refusing to let his team settle for complacency. Despite a commanding 2-1 victory in the home Test series against Australia, Conrad believes the Proteas are still evolving and that there is a way to unlock an even more dominant version of the squad as they chase a second consecutive ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title.
Climbing the WTC Ladder
The triumph over the Australians has provided more than just bragging rights; it has catapulted South Africa to second place in the World Test Championship standings. This strategic leap significantly bolsters their chances of qualifying for next year's final. While the result was a testament to the team's quality, Conrad admits that the scale of the achievement was almost unexpected, yet entirely possible given the talent in his dressing room.
"I still think there are one or two things that will make us the best version. But my gosh, I wouldn't have thought this a couple of days ago that we'd stand here. In the same breath, I'm also not surprised because that lot have it in them to do amazing things," Conrad stated.
The Puzzle of the 'Best XI'
One of the primary focuses for the coaching staff remains the composition of the starting lineup. Conrad has been candid about the fact that the ideal playing XI is still a work in progress. He is committed to rotating the squad to find the perfect balance and combinations required to win across different conditions.
This philosophy means that even veterans who played pivotal roles in South Africa's historic WTC win at Lord's last year may face tough selection calls. The coach is prioritizing the integration of emerging talents who can offer a different dimension to the game.
Embracing Character and Risk
The Australia series served as a testing ground for new faces, including Matthew Breetzke and Marques Ackerman. Conrad specifically highlighted Ackerman's seamless transition into Test cricket, noting that while the player's aggressive style might lead to occasional mistakes, it is a trait the coach is unwilling to suppress.
Comparing the squad to a bus, Conrad remarked, "We're getting the best XI on the bus. We've just got to find the right seats for them."
The Road Ahead: Bangladesh and Beyond
While the long-term goal is the WTC final, Conrad is keeping the team focused on the immediate future. South Africa faces a grueling schedule, starting with a two-match home series against Bangladesh, followed by a three-match series against England and two fixtures against Sri Lanka.
The coach warned against underestimating Bangladesh, reminding his players that the visitors possess fast bowlers capable of being lethal on Highveld surfaces and have a history of defeating powerhouse teams like Australia.
For the Proteas, the objective is clear: extract the lessons from the Australian victory, identify the remaining gaps in their game, and hit the ground running when Bangladesh arrives later this month.