Cricket

Underdog tag has given Test squad a boost, says Proteas coach

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad insisted Thursday that a lack of Test expertise was “galvanising” his Proteas facet for the two-match sequence in New Zealand.

The Proteas have introduced a weakened facet to play the Black Caps, with many first-choice South African gamers dedicated to the home SA20 competitors.

Eight of the 15-man squad have but to play Test cricket, together with captain Neil Brand.

Fast bowler Duanne Olivier has probably the most expertise with 15 Test appearances. The 31-year-old is trying to restart a Test profession stalled by accidents.

“We are all aware of why the side is what it is,” Conrad advised reporters in Christchurch earlier than the two-Test sequence, which begins subsequent week.

“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 galvanising agent.”

He stated his new-look South African staff is determined to defend their file of getting by no means misplaced a Test sequence to New Zealand, courting again to the 1931/32 season.

“We have guys right here who’re out to show each to themselves and present the energy of the Proteas lies not solely within the prime 11 (gamers).

“We are right here as a Proteas facet – not a second- or third-rate facet.

“The fact New Zealand have never beaten us in a series, that looms large. It’s a proud feat that we don’t easily want to surrender.”

Still acclimatising

He stated jet lag after the lengthy flight from Johannesburg had been “a bit of a struggle. But his side had enjoyed a “really good build-up” up to now in New Zealand.

“We are looking forward to a really good battle on the field,” he stated.

Conrad stated his squad has a lot of first-class expertise, insisting they don’t seem to be underdogs.

“I don’t think any South African likes to be regarded as an underdog, we are certainly not adopting that tag,” he added.

“I speak for every one of the guys – they are itching to get going against a top side.”

Conrad stated his staff had already confirmed themselves in a current residence sequence win over a second-string West Indies staff.

“Confidence is very high. We have quality cricketers,” he stated.

South Africa have a warm-up match towards a New Zealand XI beginning Monday in Lincoln, close to Christchurch.


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