South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has a golden plan to help his team prepare for the World Test Championship final against Australia. Conrad's plan includes TEAMS like Ireland and Afghanistan and revealed how these teams can help the Proteas prepare for the big clash.
It should be noted that South Africa will not play a Test match until the WTC final against Australia in June and the team's lack of preparation may be a factor here. The match will be played at the iconic Lord's.
Their opponents, Australia, do not have many tests to prepare for the historic clash. Australia will play two Tests against Sri Lanka later this month, but the conditions in England will pose a tough challenge for them.
Shukri Conrad reveals South Africa's golden plan to prepare for the WTC Finals
While speaking to SuperSport, Shukri Conrad was asked about South Africa's preparations for the WTC Final against Australia. Conrad revealed that his team would like to program a game against Afghanistan or Ireland in English conditions to prepare for the big game in June.
“We will try to get a Test match, possibly in Great Britain, against Ireland or Afghanistan, whoever is available. And if we don't make it, obviously we'll go out a few days early and make sure we camp there really well, probably in Canterbury,” Conrad said.
Playing Ireland in their own backyard will be perfect for South Africa to prepare for the WTC Final. The conditions in Ireland are quite similar to those in England and it will give the Proteas a chance to prepare for the big game in the best possible way.
First WTC final for South Africa
South Africa reached the WTC final for the first time. They achieved this monumental feat by defeating Pakistan in the first Test of the series recently in a thrilling way. Later, they also won the second Test and won the series 2-0.
Meanwhile, Australia reached their second consecutive WTC final with a win over India in Sydney. Australia are also the defending champions of the World Test Championship, having previously won the title in 2023 by defeating India in the final.
Shukri Conrad greets Temba Bavuma
Shukri Conrad also praised the team captain Temba Bavuma for his batting performances. He feels Bavuma has led the team from the front, performing whenever his team needed him.
“He (Temba Bavuma) has played incredibly well this summer and top marks to him. I think any captain who wants to lead from the front also wants to lead through performance and that's what Temba has done exceptionally well.” , Conrad observed. .
“He didn't lose a match as captain of South Africa (winning eight out of nine Tests). Leading from the front, revealing the performances he's had, he's probably in the form of his life,” he added.
Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, South Africa won eight of their first nine Test matches. He achieved this feat in South Africa's 2-0 series win over Pakistan in Cape Town recently.