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NEW DELHI: South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, emphasized on Thursday that the lack of Test experience within the Proteas side is proving to be a galvanizing force as they gear up for a two-match series against New Zealand.
The South African squad touring New Zealand is notably weakened, with several first-choice players committed to domestic Twenty20 competitions.
Of the 15-man squad, eight players are yet to make their Test debut, including captain Neil Brand. Fast bowler Duanne Olivier, with 15 Test appearances, holds the most experience in the squad, and the 31-year-old is keen on rejuvenating a Test career that has been hindered by injuries.
Coach Conrad addressed the circumstances, acknowledging the reasons behind the squad composition.
He stated, “We are all aware of why the side is what it is. We have made peace with it a long time ago. It’s a conversation which has been well ventilated and discussed. If anything, it’s been used as a galvanizing agent.”
Despite the lack of experience, Conrad stressed that the Proteas are eager to defend their proud record of never having lost a Test series to New Zealand since the 1931/32 season.
He highlighted the determination within the squad to prove that the strength of the Proteas lies not only in the top 11 players but extends to the entire team.
Jet lag after a long flight from Johannesburg has posed a challenge for the Proteas, but Conrad expressed satisfaction with the team’s build-up in New Zealand. The Proteas are set for a challenging battle on the field and are looking forward to the series against a top-tier side.
Conrad dismissed the underdog tag for his team, stating, “I don’t think any South African likes to be regarded as an underdog; we are certainly not adopting that tag.” He emphasized the players’ eagerness to face a top side and highlighted the confidence within the squad, citing their recent home series win over a second-string West Indies team.
South Africa will engage in a warm-up match against a New Zealand XI starting Monday in Lincoln, near Christchurch, as they fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming Test series.
(With inputs from AFP)
The South African squad touring New Zealand is notably weakened, with several first-choice players committed to domestic Twenty20 competitions.
Of the 15-man squad, eight players are yet to make their Test debut, including captain Neil Brand. Fast bowler Duanne Olivier, with 15 Test appearances, holds the most experience in the squad, and the 31-year-old is keen on rejuvenating a Test career that has been hindered by injuries.
Coach Conrad addressed the circumstances, acknowledging the reasons behind the squad composition.
He stated, “We are all aware of why the side is what it is. We have made peace with it a long time ago. It’s a conversation which has been well ventilated and discussed. If anything, it’s been used as a galvanizing agent.”
Despite the lack of experience, Conrad stressed that the Proteas are eager to defend their proud record of never having lost a Test series to New Zealand since the 1931/32 season.
He highlighted the determination within the squad to prove that the strength of the Proteas lies not only in the top 11 players but extends to the entire team.
Jet lag after a long flight from Johannesburg has posed a challenge for the Proteas, but Conrad expressed satisfaction with the team’s build-up in New Zealand. The Proteas are set for a challenging battle on the field and are looking forward to the series against a top-tier side.
Conrad dismissed the underdog tag for his team, stating, “I don’t think any South African likes to be regarded as an underdog; we are certainly not adopting that tag.” He emphasized the players’ eagerness to face a top side and highlighted the confidence within the squad, citing their recent home series win over a second-string West Indies team.
South Africa will engage in a warm-up match against a New Zealand XI starting Monday in Lincoln, near Christchurch, as they fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming Test series.
(With inputs from AFP)
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