Since taking charge as Test coach in January 2023, Shukri Conrad has faced persistent questions regarding his methods for fostering a winning mentality. Because it’s difficult not to think that’s what he has done since his appointment as Test coach in January 2023, the question came up during Shukri Conrad’s conversation with reporters at Newlands on Saturday. It is based on what you see; the character that I know sits in that changeroom. Because we can be awesome one minute and absolutely horrendous the next. It was the press’ idea to talk to Conrad on Saturday. Which he often delivers with a crack of sharp humour, conrad is never short of pithily deployed words. On Saturday he loosed his language with lusty loquaciousness. And then you think, ‘Well, gosh, if we can get to around 150 [ahead], maybe we’ll have something to bowl at. And why not: the man had earned the right. “A hell of a lot better than losing, I can tell you that much. That’s not me having a dig … [it’s] getting off to the start we got off to and not really capitalising on that.”.
During a media session at Newlands on Saturday, Conrad reflected on his tenure, emphasizing that his primary goal is to nurture a genuine belief among his players that they are capable of achieving extraordinary results. “There’s a genuine belief that these guys can do special things,” Conrad said. “We’ve got to remind them all the time. “At every turn we push that belief.
He noted that the squad must be reminded of their potential constantly, as consistency remains a challenge; while the team can be brilliant, they are occasionally prone to lapses.
South Africa has historically possessed a deep reservoir of skilled, talented, and experienced cricketers. However, the recurring challenge has been a lack of success when competing under intense pressure. Conrad’s tenure appears to have shifted this narrative. Before he assumed the role, the team had secured victories in only four of their previous 11 series, with two ending in draws. Under his leadership, the team has navigated 11 rubbers, recording nine wins, one loss, and a single draw.
Statistically, Conrad’s impact is significant. Across the 23 Tests he has overseen, South Africa has won 17, drawn one, and lost five. By comparison, in the 23 matches preceding his arrival, the team recorded 11 wins, 11 losses, and one draw. His record is arguably even more impressive when accounting for the series in New Zealand in February 2024, where South Africa was forced to field a weakened lineup due to domestic SA20 contractual obligations.
The team’s recent achievements include winning the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s last June—the nation’s first global trophy since 1998. They also secured a series draw in Pakistan last October after overcoming a 93-run defeat in the opening Test, and subsequently achieved their first series victory in India in over 25 years last November.
Regarding the recent 2-1 series victory over Australia, Conrad acknowledged the intense emotional swing after the team’s 214-run defeat in the opening match at Kingsmead. The recovery began at St George’s Park, where South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs despite weather disruptions. The decider at Newlands saw South Africa recover from a precarious position; after reaching 203/1 in their first innings, they collapsed to 329 all out, only to limit Australia to 429. Where he invented the term “singlebloodymindedness” as what he wanted to see from his players, that seemed only fair considering he took on the job of explaining what had gone wrong at Kingsmead. South Africa were 203/1 in their first innings before they lost 9/126 to be bowled out for 329. Especially to fashion what we did in Gqeberha in three days, what a turnaround after Durban. And then to come [to Newlands] and throw away what was quite an advantage batting first [after Pat Cummins inserted the home side].
A critical turning point came when the hosts were trailing by 100 runs and effectively 40/4 early in the match. At Newlands they recovered from a first-innings deficit of 100 runs and an effective 40/4 in the second innings to build their lead to 287. Then they dismissed the Aussies for 111 to knock them off the top spot in the ICC rankings and rise to second in the WTC standings.
The partnership between Ryan Rickelton, who scored 101, and Wiaan Mulder, who made 115, proved decisive as they added 154 runs to lift the team to 387. Kagiso Rabada, whom Conrad referred to as the team’s ‘Rolls-Royce,’ then dismantled the Australian order on Saturday morning after overcoming a stomach illness. Simon Harmer was instrumental in this effort, claiming career-best figures of 6/16 to secure his first 10-wicket haul in Tests. Then they say, ‘OK, you weren’t just trying to pump our tyres.’. When Rabada had Travis Head caught in the gully to reach 350 wickets in 13,808 balls — the fewest in cricket history — the visitors were reeling at 22/3, by the seventh over.
Conrad addressed the tactical decision to select Harmer over Keshav Maharaj for the second Test, noting that Maharaj supported the choice for the benefit of the team. Captain Temba Bavuma has also publicly backed Conrad’s ‘crazy formula,’ noting that the coach encourages constant debate to ensure optimal decision-making. Conrad maintains that the team must remain malleable, and he constantly evaluates how to evolve the squad for future success.
This approach extends to player development, as evidenced by the 20 Test debuts under his watch. Marques Ackerman, who initially played at No. 4 for South Africa A, was repurposed as an opening partner for Aiden Markram during the Australia series. While Ackerman scored 95 and 62 at Newlands, he was denied a century when he attempted to charge Nathan Lyon. Conrad defended this instinctive style, stating that he has no desire to curb the creative instincts of such players, despite their occasional mistakes.
When asked if he considered his current group the best in the game, Conrad remained measured. He argued that the team should not boast about status but instead focus on their collective capability. He concluded that while the team is currently in a strong position, the objective remains constant improvement and refining their identity on the field.
