SA Coach On WTC Win: 'Cricket Means So Much To Us And People Of The Country'
South Africa head coach Conrad highlighted cricket's significance after wining the 2025 ICC World Test Championship.
One day after South Africa secured the 2025 ICC World Test Championship, head coach Shukri Conrad emphasised the sport's profound importance to both the victorious team and the people of South Africa.
On Saturday at Lord's, South Africa defeated defending champions Australia by five wickets, claiming the WTC mace and ending a 27-year drought in knockout matches. Opener Aiden Markram's outstanding 136 guided South Africa to victory in the Ultimate Test, chasing down 282 in 83.4 overs before lunch on day four.
Poignantly, Conrad's father, Sedick, a former first-class cricketer, passed away two months ago. 'I suppose I do play a father figure role since most of these players are around the same age as my children. They keep me young by giving me headaches. People like Dane Paterson… they are the reason I don't have any hair anymore," Conrad reflected.
'If he stays quiet for too long, you know he's up to no good. And some of the music they play… my goodness! But they are the reason we do this and continue coaching. Cricket means so much to all of us and to the people of this country," Conrad stated in a Cricket South Africa (CSA) release on Sunday.
Veteran left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj expressed overwhelming joy after securing the WTC title, revealing the fulfilment of a long-held dream at Lord's just before Father's Day on Sunday.
'This is even more special because my family is here with me. It's my first Father's Day, and my dream was to have my daughter with me, playing on the outfield at Lord's, with a winner's medal around her neck," an emotional Maharaj added.
One of the most memorable and widely shared images from South Africa's WTC victory captured captain Temba Bavuma holding the WTC mace with his son at his side. 'Fatherhood has definitely changed me as a person. Even the team says it has made me a better man. It is special and gives you someone else to play for," he concluded.
(With inputs from IANS)
First Published:
June 15, 2025, 20:23 IST
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