WI vs SA 2024: Shukri Conrad praises team effort with one eye on World Test Championship final

Despite only three squad members with experience of over 50 Tests (Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, and Keshav Maharaj) in comparison to the more experienced West Indian outfit, South Africa emerged as the winners in the hard-fought two-match Test series in the Caribbean.

Proteas red-ball coach Shukri Conrad described the incentive of reaching the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final as the major motivation even as they continue their transition.

“A big couple of months ahead of us to grow as a Test team. At the end of that, if we do very well and we win enough games, we can end up in the World Test Championship final. That’s not the only goal of the team. It’s also to grow as a team,” stated Conrad from Guyana, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

He also attributed the collapses with the bat (328//6 to 357 all-out in the first Test and 224/5 to 246 all-out in the second) to the lack of exposure at the premier level in terms of red-ball expertise, and guaranteed that there would be fewer lapses in judgement and execution as the team plays more matches together.

Also Read: ‘We can be a formidable side’ – Temba Bavuma after series win over West Indies

When you’re transitioning, you need someone like that in your team: Conrad

Conrad also had praises left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series, with 13 wickets to his name. Labelling him as an “absolute workhorse” and “Mr. Reliable”, he also likened a strong personality like Maharaj to be just the right individual to guide a team streaked with inexperience.

“Kesh is an absolute workhorse, an absolute professional, and he just keeps going, And I’m thrilled that he nailed that record. It’s richly deserved. He’s great in the changing room. He’s a great sounding board for players and coaches, a really good team guy and someone that you can easily dub Mr. Reliable. When you’re transitioning, you need someone like that in your team,” added Conrad.

Also Read: ‘The batting effort in the first innings just wasn’t good enough’ – Kraigg Brathwaite reflects on loss in second Test against South Africa

To catch up on the most current news on all of your favorite thrilling cricket updates, visit BJSports to access our comprehensive Latest News, insightful analysis, and updates. connect with the action now to make sure you never miss out!