The South African cricket team, the Proteas, is set to face Australia in a series of white-ball matches starting Thursday in Durban. According to Proteas coach Shukri Conrad, the Australian team will be hard-nosed but not as aggressive as in previous eras. Conrad's comments come after a series of intense encounters between the two teams, including the infamous 2018 series.
Conrad pointed to the World Test Championship final last year, where the Proteas shocked Australia at Lord's to claim South Africa's first major ICC silverware in 27 years. He noted that Pat Cummins' charges were not the overtly aggressive unit that South Africans have encountered in the past. Conrad believes that the Australian team's approach has changed, and they will not engage in the same level of on-field sledging as before.
The 2018 series between the two teams was marked by a heated exchange between former Australian player David Warner and Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. Conrad referred to Warner as "probably the last of those Aussies that we love to hate." The incident highlighted the intense rivalry between the two teams, but Conrad believes that those days are behind them.
Despite the expected change in approach from the Australian team, Conrad is aware that the tourists will still face a hostile reception from the Proteas' supporters in the stands. The series marks the first time Australia has toured South Africa since the Sandpapergate series in 2018. Conrad doesn't expect the extra scrutiny to distract his team from their mission.
Conrad emphasized that the Proteas will focus on their own game and not be swayed by external factors. He noted that at some stage, something may happen, but the team will be prepared. The Proteas will be looking to make a strong impression in the series, particularly with the Test series looming.
The series against Australia will also be significant for some of the Proteas players, including the Jansen brothers, who could make history with a reunion in Potchefstroom. Additionally, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has hinted at a spin solution for the Kingsmead opener, while Matthew Breetzke is ready to take on the Australian team.
The Proteas have been hit with an injury crisis ahead of the series, with Kwena Maphaka joining Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi on the injury list. Despite these challenges, Conrad is confident that his team will be able to adapt and compete against a strong Australian side. The series will be a crucial test for the Proteas ahead of the Test series.
Key points
- Proteas coach Shukri Conrad expects a different Australian team that will not be as aggressive as in the past.
- The series against Australia will be significant for some of the Proteas players, including the Jansen brothers.
- The Proteas have been hit with an injury crisis ahead of the series.
