“I don’t think any South African likes to be regarded as an underdog, we are certainly not adopting that tag,” added Conrad.
South Africa have chosen to send a second-string squad to New Zealand for the next two-match Test series as several of the first-team players are currently engaged in the latest edition of the SA20. The Proteas have received a lot of criticism for this choice, but head coach Shukri Conrad prefers to put the past behind them and concentrate on the future.
Conrad is upbeat about their chances against New Zealand ahead of the Test series. Since the 1931–1932 season, South Africa has never lost a Test series against the Kiwis, giving them a unique record. Regarding that, the 56-year-old stated that the visitors will try to maintain the record since they won’t give up easy and anticipate a fierce fight. Conrad said that they will be fighting to establish themselves in the center and that they are not the underdogs.
“Everyone knows why the side is the way it is. It’s something we’ve long since come to terms with. It’s been a well-ventilated and talked conversation. It’s actually been applied as a galvanizing agent. Conrad remarked, “We have men here who are keen to prove to themselves and that the Proteas strength resides not only in the top 11 (players).
We have never lost a series to New Zealand: Conrad Shukri
In addition, Shukri Conrad, the South African coach, did not back down from his audacious remark that his team is neither the underdogs nor a completely degraded squad, despite what many may believe. Conrad further emphasized that the Proteas have never dropped a series against the Black Caps. Furthermore, he promised that the guys will not “surrender,” as they are all prepared to face New Zealand. He will therefore be anticipating a hard matchup in the next series against one of the best sides in the world.
“We are not a second- or third-rate side; we are here as the Proteas side. The fact that New Zealand has never defeated us in a series is a significant factor. We are proud of this accomplishment and are reluctant to let it up. We are anticipating an exciting duel on the field. Nobody in South Africa, in my opinion, like being called the underdog, and we will not accept that label. I can speak for all of the boys when I say that they are eager to play against a top team,” he continued.
The Proteas, meanwhile, have already landed in South Africa because the series starts at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on February 4.
