"Jolt and a wake-up call" - Shukri Conrad on South Africa's "tough" Test loss to New Zealand

South Africa sustained a major loss at the hands of New Zealand in the first Test match of the two-match series by 281 runs. The hosts put up a brilliant display of bowling and batting and never allowed the inexperienced Proteas side to get into the match. Many of the big South African names such as Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen are not part of the side due to their commitments in the SA20 2024.

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad while speaking in the post-match press conference believed that if it was T20 any one individual performance would have won the team the game. However, he believed that to beat a quality side like New Zealand, South Africa had to be on the top of their game every five days. Conrad while saying that six South African players made their Test debut in the first match of the series admitted that they would have been made to confront their qualities.

Shukri Conrad further added that a few players of the current side might have got a knock of how harsh Test cricket can be. Conrad also said the humongous defeat against New Zealand was a major jolt and also a wake-up call for the team.

Shukri Conrad opens up on South Africa’s defeat to New Zealand

He said (as quoted by ESPNCricinfo), “It’s not okay. It’s tough for everyone here. It’s like Burnley going to Anfield every week. If it was a T20, you know one performance can win the game. [In Tests] it’s five days of relentless effort and pressure. You’ve got to be on top of your game all the time against a quality side like New Zealand.”

He added, “A few of them would have taken a knock in terms of the harsh realities that Test cricket brings, and possibly how far away they still are. Many feel that they’re closer to the Test side than they currently are. You go through a few days like they have been through, and that’s a jolt and a wake-up call.”

New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra was adjudged the Player of the Match for his tremendous double hundred. Ravindra played an innings of 240 runs, which helped New Zealand put up a score of 511 runs in their first innings. Captain Kane Williamson also slammed hundreds in both the innings. Also, South Africa displayed a flop batting show and were wrapped up for 162 and 247 runs in both innings.

David Bedingham was the main highlight for South Africa in the match as he played an innings of 87 runs in the second innings. Bedingham played some good shots by sticking onto the pitch and showed the will to stay at the crease.

The second Test of the series will be played from February 13 at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. New Zealand are one of the best teams at home in Tests. It is very hard to defeat the Blackcaps in New Zealand in the red ball format and they bring in their ‘A’ game every time whenever they play Tests at home.