Proteas coach Shukri Conrad bullish about putting Aussies ‘under the pump’ in Lord’s final

Shukri Conrad admits the Proteas will be “underdogs” when they face Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next month, but believes his team can put the defending champions “under the pump”.

Conrad named a settled but inexperienced squad to face the Aussies, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada leading the way with 70 caps.

Captain Temba Bavuma (63) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (57) are the only other two Proteas with more than 50 Test appearances. 

In contrast, Australia boasts grizzled Test veterans such as Nathan Lyon (136), Steve Smith (116), Mitchell Starc (96), Usman Khawaja (80), Josh Hazlewood (72) and captain Pat Cummins (67) among their ranks. 

The Proteas are, however, enjoying a red-hot streak under Conrad’s guidance, having won seven straight Test matches, including their four successive series to book their place at Lord’s.

“We probably go in as underdogs, and rightly so, not because of ability, but maybe just in experience,” Conrad said.

“But I don’t think we need to be doing anything extraordinary in order to beat Australia.

“I’m very confident that when we play to our best that we’ve got every chance of beating them.

“Like I’ve said before, we're not just happy to compete.

“We never only just wanted to make a final, but in order for you to win a final you need to be in it, so we’re there. That was a goal that Temba and I set at the outset.

“We’ve got the momentum in the Test side, and it will give us a more than even chance of winning this Test match.

“We’ve got some high-level players, our bowling attack will always be threatening, and certainly we have in our batting line-up the ability to really put the Aussies under the pump as well. 

“So, while we go in as underdogs, I don’t think it should come as a massive surprise when we do win the trophy.”

Conrad feels that his young side has also developed over the last 12 months due to the position they found themselves in after virtually surrendering the away series in New Zealand, when the Proteas fielded a heavily under-strength side due to the leading South African players being committed to SA20. 

The first-ever Test series loss to the Black Caps seemed to galvanise this group as they were placed in the furnace of having to win virtually every match to qualify for the WTC final. 

“I think we’re at our best, and we’ve shown that (when under pressure),” Conrad said.

“Every Test match has almost been a must-win match for us, and we’ve shown that we’re able to deal with those pressures. I’ve got no doubt we’ll be able to deal with the pressures that the final brings as well.”

The Proteas have been limited to two-match Test series for the entire WTC cycle, having last featured in a three-match series – ironically against Australia back in 2022-23. 

This limited action has been due to the Proteas sitting outside of “The Big Three”, which includes India, Australia and England.

Conrad doesn’t necessarily agree that the opportunity to dethrone one of “The Big Three” necessarily motivates his players anymore, and wants the Proteas to stay clear from any side shows. 

“No, I think only in their minds have they dubbed themselves ‘The Big Three’. I don’t think anybody else has,” he said.

“We don’t prepare any different. We certainly don’t respect Pakistan less than we do Australia, as we do India. Everything stays the same. 

“It’s great that it’s Australia because we haven’t played them in a while, but it doesn’t provide you with any more motivation.

“If you’re looking for more motivation, then you’re probably not in the right state of mind anyway. You don’t need motivation to play for South Africa. You don’t need motivation to play in finals.

“I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I think Australia is the one side that everybody wants to topple, but our preparation won't be any different to it.”