Latest news with #ShukriConrad
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Conrad giving Proteas freedom to experiment, says Van der Dussen
South Africa will face Zimbabwe in their third T20 tri-series match in Harare on Sunday. Being given a chance to express themselves and experiment without too much pressure will ensure the Proteas reap the benefits in the long run, according to stand-in captain Rassie van der Dussen. Having replaced former limited overs coach Rob Walter, who stepped down in April, Shukri Conrad was in charge of a white-ball series for the first time on the ongoing tour of Zimbabwe. And Van der Dussen, who was standing in for regular skipper Aiden Markram, was pleased that Conrad was using the T20 International tri-series as a platform for the second-string SA squad to try new things that could be important to the team's success going forward. After beating Zimbabwe in their tri-series opener earlier this week, the Proteas went on to lose to New Zealand in their second match in Harare. Not all about immediate results While they hoped to bounce back in their next game against the hosts on Sunday (1pm start) Van der Dussen said the players felt comfortable experimenting with their own games, and as a unit, rather than focusing entirely on the result. 'I think what Shukri brings in terms of the environment and mindset is that freedom. We're trying things with freedom, we're trying things that make sense… and it's very relaxed and open,' Van der Dussen said. 'Yes, there's obviously responsibility and we want to win every match we play, but there is encouragement to be the best version of yourself, play the way you want to play and play the way the team wants to play.' Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP Looking at the bigger picture Though they fell against New Zealand in their midweek clash, and they would continue to experiment, Van der Dussen felt the Proteas could win their remaining T20 International tri-series games, including next week's final. 'We didn't get it right against New Zealand, but when we get it close to right, the result is going to go our way,' he said. 'There were a few positives there (against the Black Caps) – we tried a few things with our batting line-up and a few of the bowlers tried different fields – and this series is largely here for those types of things. 'We've spoken at length about how we want to play and how we want to go about it, and the mindset, and the reality is that in that sort of transition you're going to get it wrong sometimes, and that's also fine. We keep the bigger picture in mind.'
News24
3 days ago
- Sport
- News24
Cricket SA confirms Proteas' new convenor of selectors : ‘Ideal person for the job'
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named Patrick Moroney as the new convenor of selectors for the Proteas, filling a position that has been vacant since Victor Mpitsang's departure in 2023. Moroney, who has no first-class or playing experience, brings a wealth of administrative experience as he has served as convenor of selectors for the SA National Academy, SA Emerging and Men's U19 teams. READ | Rubin Hermann embraces long road to Proteas debut after win: 'A journey, but I'm thankful' Moroney's career spans a wide range of roles, from serving as director of sport and marketing at high school level to holding various selector positions, including with Lions Cricket. He will collaborate closely with the Proteas men's coach Shukri Conrad and report directly to CSA's director of national teams and high performance, Enoch Nkwe. Moroney, who is based at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria, will formally take up his role on 1 August. 'CSA is extremely proud to welcome Patrick into this pivotal role as convenor selector for the Proteas men's team,' said Nkwe. 'His deep understanding of the game, combined with decades of experience in talent identification and selection across various levels, makes him the ideal person for the job. 'We are thrilled to welcome Patrick on board and look forward to working closely with him, as well as witnessing the positive impact he will undoubtedly make.'
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Shukri Conrad and Pat Moroney's alliance: The Proteas' new Government of Cricket Unity
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, captain Temba Bavuma and Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie with the ICC Test mace. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" That's certainly how I felt about the Proteas Men's team. Head coach Shukri Conrad has been responsible for all selections since his appointment and the ICC World Test mace perched splendidly in Cricket SA's trophy cabinet at their Illovo office is the result. Conrad's coaching philosophy has fostered an environment where honesty and open communication thrive. Players are able to express themselves with clarity regarding their roles being a cornerstone of the team's culture. Unlike in previous years, where players were often left in the dark following squad announcements, the current setup allows individuals to gauge their standing within the team's future without the fear of unpleasant surprises. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ This is a refreshing change that strengthens the collective resolve of the squad moving forward. So, why then appoint a Convenor of Selectors? This is not a slight on Pat Moroney, the incoming COS, who boasts all the experience of having worked within CSA's structures since 2001, but yet one cannot help but wonder about the necessity of such a position given the harmony achieved under Conrad's direct oversight. The only explanation I can fathom is Conrad's increased workload now that he has been appointed all-format coach. As solely Test coach, Conrad had the time to attend domestic matches and even coach South Africa 'A' on various occasions to formulate that unique rapport with the players. I vividly recall Conrad spending time at Western Province Cricket Club closely monitoring the likes of Corbin Bosch and Codi Yusuf whilst playing for South Africa 'A' against their England counterparts last year. Both seamers have since progressed to make their Proteas Test debuts with aplomb. However, with Conrad now set to spend extensive periods travelling internationally, the need for an extra set of eyes roving domestically may be required. When asked his thoughts on having to 'deal with' a prospective incoming COS back in May, Conrad stated: 'I don't think the words 'dealing with a convenor' is the right narrative we want to project. Hopefully it will be a like-minded person who has South African cricket and, more importantly, the Proteas as first prize all the time.' But he also went further: 'The last thing you want is for someone to come in with a completely different agenda. 'It's important for players to know exactly where they stand, who's accountable, who's the sole voice who takes responsibility, because I don't like collective responsibility. 'Cricket has never been a democracy. Whoever the fall guy is, he takes the rap.' It is fortunate then that this new Government of Cricket Unity formed between Conrad and Moroney has travelled a long road previously. Moroney was the SA U19 COS when Conrad was head coach of the Junior Proteas a few years back. It was this combination that provided the platform for Dewald Brevis to take centre stage at the ICC U19 World Cup in the Caribbean in 2022. Equally, Moroney and Conrad sung from the same hymn sheet when they picked an unknown 16-year-old by the name of Kwena Maphaka for that self-same ICC U19 World Cup, which paved the way for the left-arm seamer to explode two years later at the next edition on South African soil. Moroney's in-depth knowledge of fellow teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius's journey will also help Conrad manage the precocious talent moving forward. Cricket may not be a Democracy, but perhaps there is a place for Epistocracy - where some are better equipped to make decisions than others due to their knowledge, understanding, or competence - within the Proteas Men's team.
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Proteas embrace youthful energy in T20I tri-series with sights set on World Cup glory
South Africa's next-best players vie for the opening spots against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Proteas' best T20 squad. T20 is firmly in focus for the Proteas as they're currently engaged in a T20I tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in the neighbouring country. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, in his first official series as white-ball coach, and as sole selector of the side, has opted for youth to carry the battle to Zimbabwe and the Black Caps. So far it has worked a treat, with South Africa victorious in the opening encounter against the Chevrons on Monday, 14 July 2025, with fringe players George Linde, Dewald Brevis and Rubin Hermann all playing vital roles in the team's five-wicket win. Hermann was one of three players on T20I debut alongside Corbin Bosch and Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Bosch went at nine an over in a match in which Zimbabwe only scored 141, and Pretorius fell for a golden duck. Hermann, meanwhile, after an impressive SA20 season at the start of the year for Paarl Royals where he scored 333 runs at an average of 41.62 in nine innings, carried that into the international stage after being rewarded. The 28-year-old southpaw clubbed a team-high 45 off 37 deliveries, which included five fours and one six. However, not just happy with a solid international debut, Hermann was kicking himself at not finishing the job, having been dismissed with the team needing 12 more to seal the win. 'I was a bit more irritated that I left 12 runs on the table before I could actually shake hands with the guys and say I'll pull the stumps out and end this game,' Hermann said at the post-match conference. 'That was effectively my role, just to be there at the end. I was disappointed I couldn't do that, but maybe I am just nitpicking. Probably anyone would have taken that. 'But I want to be a guy to win games for South Africa, and I should have been there at the end.' Packed schedule Outside of four Tests on the subcontinent toward the end of the year, South Africa's schedule is packed with white-ball matches until the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February. South Africa travel to Australia and England in August and September for three one-day internationals and three T20Is in each country, and then have eight T20Is in total against Pakistan and India and then five T20Is against West Indies at home at the start of next year. Toss in the SA20 that starts in December this year, and that's a lot of the shortest format of the game being played by the country's best cricketers. On the international front, it allows Conrad to assess his options thoroughly heading into his first tournament as white-ball head coach. He's laid down the marker already with regards to his spin bowling options, declaring that the tweakers in the squad in Zimbabwe are the front runners to be part of his T20 World Cup squad. The two spin bowlers who were at the last T20 World Cup, under Rob Walter in 2024, were stalwart Keshav Maharaj and the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in the format, Tabraiz Shamsi. Inside lane In the current squad are Linde, Senuran Muthusamy and Nqaba Peter. Linde collected three wickets for 10 runs with the ball against Zimbabwe while Peter collected one scalp and conceded 22 runs in his three overs. Linde is also more than handy with the bat, although he didn't get to prove it on Monday, scoring an undefeated run-a-ball three at the end of the match. The all-rounder made his international debut in 2020, but under Walter and Mark Boucher before him was in and out of the national squad, only appearing 16 times in the five years after, since Conrad took over. But he now feels backed and confident to perform regularly for the national side. 'We had a good conversation a month or two ago,' Linde said of his talks with Conrad. 'It was positive, and he did say he wants me to be part of this T20 squad, and then we'll take things from there. 'I told him I want to play for South Africa, I want to make myself available and I want to give myself the best chance to play for South Africa. It gives you a little bit more confidence. You can play with a little bit more freedom. 'But I still don't really think too far ahead. I'm just trying to focus on the process now and take it game by game. If I don't do well and Shuks decides no, I'm not the guy for him, then so be it. 'I'm just trying to do my best, and if I do well and I'm on that plane to the World Cup, happy days. It's always been a dream of mine to represent South Africa in the World Cup.' DM
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Lara said I should have broken the record
Wiaan Mulder says Brian Lara told him he should have tried to break the record for the highest individual Test score instead of declaring on Africa captain Mulder made 367 not out against Zimbabwe, but opted to declare 33 runs short of the 400 not out Lara made for West Indies against England in the time, Mulder said: "Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be."Following the Proteas' massive defeat of Zimbabwe in the second Test, Mulder told SuperSport: "I've chatted a little bit to Brian Lara. He said to me I'm creating my own legacy and I should have gone for it."He said records are there to be broken and he wishes if I'm ever in that position again I go and score more than what he had."Mulder's 367 is the fifth-highest individual score in Test history, the best by a South African and the best by any batter playing in an away effort took South Africa to 626-5 at lunch on day two of the second Test in Bulawayo. A tilt on Lara's record would not have negatively impacted the visitors' push for victory, which was eventually completed on the third day. Mulder was captaining South Africa for the first time following injuries to Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj. He chose to declare following consultation with coach Shukri Conrad, who told him, "Let the legends keep the really big scores".Despite gaining Lara's seal of approval, Mulder said he would not have changed his decision."It's super special and not something I would have dreamt of," said the 27-year-old."That was an interesting point of view from his side, but I still believe I did the right thing and respecting the game is the most important part for me."Lara's effort in Antigua 21 years ago was the second time he broke the record. He made 375, also against England, in 1994, before Australia's Matthew Hayden passed that with 380 against Zimbabwe in Perth in other score ahead of Mulder is the 374 by Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in triple-century was only the second by a South African, after Hashim Amla's 311 not out against England at The Oval in 2012. Mulder reached 300 from 297 balls, the second-fastest in Test cricket after the 278 taken by India's Virender Sehwag against South Africa in 2008.
