The red-ball coach of South Africa, Shukri Conrad, was appointed as South Africa’s white-ball coach, which makes him the coach across all three formats, signalling the end of CSA’s (Cricket South Africa) split-coaching model, as Conrad looks to lead the Proteas through to the 2027 ODI World Cup at home.
No Special Recruitment Exercise for White-Ball Position
CSA chose not to commission a formal recruiting exercise for the white-ball position. Instead, operations were streamlined by merging red-ball and white-ball duties under Conrad’s command. This was made possible after the departure in April of the previous limited-overs coach, Rob Walter.
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New Selection Structure Adopted
In a significant change, Shukri Conrad will no longer have absolute power in the selection of teams. CSA has brought in the role of a selection convener, which was eliminated in 2022. Applications for this role closed on April 29, and a decision is due to be made soon. The change is meant to encourage more inclusive decision-making in team choices.
Conrad’s Quote: “Unbelievably Special Opportunity”
Commenting on his appointment as white-ball coach of South Africa, Conrad said this with gratitude and excitement:
“Being given the responsibility to take South Africa through all three forms is a big honor. Being able to coach the Test team has been wonderful, and being able to guide the white-ball teams is something incredibly special. There is rich white-ball talent in South African cricket, with experienced stars, as well as talented young newcomers. I feel we can do something very special.”
A Track Record Proven in Red-Ball Cricket
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Since becoming the Test team’s captain in 2023, Shukri Conrad has captained South Africa to seven consecutive Test victories, their second-longest winning sequence in history. The team, under his guidance, also reached the World Test Championship (WTC) final, where they will play against Australia.
Shukri Conrad had played for and coached the local juggernauts Lions and Cobras, winning four domestic trophies, three of which were in white-ball formats. Given this strong grounding and the knowledge and understanding of the local talent pipeline, I trust he can take on the responsibility of South Africa’s white-ball hopes.
Leadership Decisions and Key Series Wins
Conrad made a strong first impression when he took over as caretaker in January 2023, after the departure of Rob Walter, when South Africa took on England in a major ODI series. South Africa won the series 2-1 and Temba Bavuma had a match-winning hundred.
Conrad also appointed Bavuma as Test captain during that series, which marked his vision for the future. Bavuma currently captains the Test and ODI teams, with Aiden Markram leading the T20I team.
CSA’s Faith in Conrad’s All-Format Leadership
CSA’s Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, supported Conrad’s promotion wholeheartedly:
“Shukri’s influence on the red-ball unit is clear to see. He has established a good foundation and created a defined identity. We look forward to seeing him use that framework within the white-ball environment. His rapport with players and extensive knowledge of international cricket make him the perfect fit.”
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