Cricket South Africa continues to defend their stance in sending a second string squad to New Zealand for a 2 match Test series. The Proteas have received worldwide criticism for this decision. But South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has defended CSA’s stance by blaming that the scheduling of the series as the main problem.
Shukri Conrad claimed that SA20 is the lifeblood of local cricket in South Africa. Test cricket won’t happen if SA20 doesn’t take place.
South Africa have announced that B-Team that will face the Kiwis in February. The 14-member Proteas team consists of 7 uncapped players with skipper Neil Brand himself being an uncapped players.
“I love how everyone outside the country have become experts on South African cricket. Our hand has been forced, everyone understands the SA20 has to happen, it is the lifeblood of local cricket. If it doesn’t happen, we won’t have Test cricket anyway,” Conrad told reporters.
“It is still South Africa going to New Zealand. We sing the same national anthem and wear the same national team blazer. Anything we come back with, a draw or if we can sneak a win, that will be massive for us,” Conrad added.
The main players of the South Africa team will feature in SA20 which is slated to begin on 10th January. With T20 World Cup fast approaching, the Proteas have turned their attention to the shortest format of the game. As for the SA Test squad for NZ, the team will travel to Christchurch on 19th January.
South Africa Test Team squad for New Zealand – Neil Brand (c), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo
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