'Cricket has never been a democracy'

The appointment of a selection convener has made Shukri Conrad wary of the extra voice that will be under the Proteas umbrella.

Once the World Test Championship ends, Conrad will assume greater responsibility as the national team’s limited-overs coach and, while he values the input a selection convener will provide, he said it was imperative everyone not only sings from the same hymn sheet but also understands the rhythm.

“The last thing you want is for someone to come in with a completely different agenda,” said Conrad, who takes over from Rob Walter, who resigned in April.

Cricket SA will appoint the convener later this month. The last time CSA employed someone to take charge of selection was in 2023. Victor Mpitsang, who held the post, resigned shortly before Conrad and Walter were appointed. The two coaches have since been responsible for selecting the side.

“It's important for players to know exactly where they stand, who’s accountable, who’s the sole voice who takes responsibility, because I don’t like collective responsibility. Cricket has never been a democracy. Whoever the fall guy is he takes the rap,” said Conrad.

The next 12 months are crucial in the build up towards the 2027 World Cup, as the Proteas move away from handing out caps, as was the case last year under Walter, and narrow the playing personnel with an eye to building experience.

“Over the last two years, we’ve widened the pool to give players opportunities to see who is ready to step up. Now we need to zone in towards 2027,” said the director of national teams, Enoch Nkwe.

Temba Bavuma, captain of the Proteas’ One-Day team, said he was looking forward to seeing what Conrad provides in his added role. “He’s developed a close relationship with the players. In the Test team we see him as a father figure. The success with the Test team has been remarkable. The team doesn’t boast legendary names and for us to have achieved what we have, speaks a lot for him as a coach,” he said.

“With him, there will be a strategy — what we can achieve, how we will achieve that… I’m looking forward to working with him further and hopefully continuing to do some remarkable things in the other formats.”