Shukri Conrad
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- Shukri Conrad admits he is well-suited to take charge of Proteas ahead of their three-match ODI series against England.
- Conrad’s first national assignment will be as an interim coach for a day with SA white ball coach Rob Walter still in New Zealand.
- Speaking to reporters, Conrad insists that there is a wonderful synergy between him and Walter as they look to move Proteas forward.
Shukri Conrad says he is well prepared ahead of his first assignment as Proteas manager with South Africa hosting England for three ODIs.
The series, which takes place in Bloemfontein and Kimberley, is part of the World Cup Super League.
Conrad, who is the test coach for Proteas, will be the interim ODI coach for this week’s series, as white ball coach Rob Walter is currently in New Zealand coaching the Otago Volts.
The 55-year-old has long been involved in cricket in South Africa, from his playing days to leading the Cape Cobras to three domestic titles.
Conrad worked at the National Academy as their head coach, coaching various SA A, Invitational and Emerging teams before establishing himself as the SA Under-19 coach.
READ | Shukri Conrad, Proteas’ new ‘quiet’ test coach: ‘Understands our past, challenges and youngsters’
Conrad’s first assignment will not be the Test side, but overseeing Proteas’ grueling ODI series against reigning World Cup-winning side England.
“There were times where I never thought it would come to fruition. But it all depends on the timing and I’m probably as well prepared as I would have been a few years ago,” Conrad told reporters on Wednesday.
“There would probably be some areas of concern, but I feel like I’m well prepared.”
READ ALSO | SA v England: This will not be a series for faint-hearted bowlers
The Proteas need to win at least one of the ODIs against England to stay in contention for automatic qualification to this year’s Cricket World Cup in India.
Walter is expected to return for Proteas for their two-match ODI series against the Netherlands scheduled for March 31 and April 2.
Conrad acknowledged that he has had daily conversations with Walter in preparation for this week’s ODI series against England.
“I have a wonderful relationship with Rob, we share similar ideas for the game. We literally talk every day about where we think the team is,” Conrad said.
“I’m on the ground here and he’s 11 hours ahead of me, so I’ve been tasked with taking care of selection and business. This is my series now.”
“If you look at the components of the red ball and the cue ball, the two have gotten closer if you look at how the formats are played. So there’s a lot of synergy between me and Rob.
“I think we fit very well in South African cricket. Rob is a few years older than me in terms of youth and he brings that energy.
The opening ODI on Friday kicks off at 1pm.
Proteas Squad for England ODIs:
Temba Bavuma (captain, Lions), Quinton de Kock (Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), Sisanda Magala (Lions), Keshav Maharaj, (Dolphins), Janneman Malan (Rocks ) ), Aiden Markram (Titans), David Miller (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (lions).
