South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has cited scheduling as the reason for sending a second-string squad to New Zealand for two Tests next month, claiming that criticism of the controversial move is unfounded and unfair.
Conrad added that the SA20 cricket league has emerged as a cornerstone for the sustenance and growth of South African cricket. The T20 franchise cricket tournament, organized by Cricket South Africa (CSA), was first contested in the 2022–23 season and involves six teams based in various cities across the nation. The inaugural winners were Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh suggested that New Zealand should refuse to play the series after South Africa named seven uncapped players in a 14-man squad for the matches, which begin on Feb. 4, while several other commentators criticised the move. The fixtures clash with Cricket South Africa’s domestic Twenty20 competition, which is seen as critical to the organization’s future financial health after years of struggle.
“I love how everyone outside the country have become experts on South African cricket. 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,” Conrad told reporters.
Conrad’s remarks come in the wake of criticism directed at South Africa’s decision to send a second-string squad for their Test tour of New Zealand in February 2024. This move was necessitated due to a clash with the domestic SA20 competition, which is considered crucial for the financial stability of CSA. With the organization having faced financial challenges over the years, the SA20 is seen as a profitable venture that is essential for the survival of cricket in the country, including the traditional format of Test cricket.
Cricket South Africa stated that they attempted to find alternate dates for the tour but were unsuccessful. Conrad backed the players who were chosen, despite only batter David Bedingham starting India’s seven-wicket loss in Cape Town, which tied the two-match series at 1-1.
“It is still South Africa 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,” the coach said. He confirmed that the team will depart for Christchurch on January 19, with New Zealand Cricket telling Reuters on Thursday that they were excited to host the tour.
Conrad will enjoy playing on more sporting wickets than the one at Newlands, which resulted in the shortest positive test result in history. “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 fantastic, but you don’t win many Tests by 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.”
