Shukri Conrad excited about Proteas' World Cup chances

Shukri Conrad, South Africa's head coach, stated that the Proteas are determined to deliver the country's first 50-over world title at the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The tournament will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia and is scheduled for October and November 2027.

Conrad viewed the World Cup trophy at the official launch event and expressed his desire to claim it. Conrad acknowledged the weight of South Africa's World Cup history, which includes a semi-final loss to Australia in 1999. He stated that while the 1999 result was traumatic, his outlook remained positive.

"When I looked at the trophy from a distance tonight, I thought, 'Ya, I'd love to get my hands on that'. We owe it to the country. We owe the country a World Cup, and we are hell-bent on delivering. I know the saying 'It's the hope that kills you.' But for me, it's the hope that excites me," Conrad said as quoted by Times Live.

Conrad indicated he would consult with members of previous World Cup squads to inform his planning.

"It would be foolhardy not to lean on guys who have experienced that. There definitely will be conversations with guys that have played in World Cups in South Africa previously," said Conrad.

South Africa face a demanding home summer featuring series against Australia, Bangladesh, and England. The Proteas will host eight Tests next season, including three each against England and Australia. Conrad emphasised the importance of maintaining focus during this period.

"It's important that we don't take our eye off the ball. For me, Temba [Bavuma] and the senior group, we understand the enormity of the summer, but we are excited by it. A three-match Test series against Australia, then a resurgent Bangladesh, and then the Balmy Army and everybody arrive towards the end of the year for what will be a lovely Test summer," Conrad said.

The limited-overs matches against Bangladesh and England will serve as preparation for World Cup selection. Three ODIs with England in January 2027 have been designated as a shadow World Cup squad opportunity.

Conrad stated that while the team aims to win the ODI series against Australia, Bangladesh and England, these matches will be used to panelbeat and fashion what the World Cup squad could look like. Several senior players, including Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, and Temba Bavuma, will be rested for limited-overs matches against Bangladesh to manage their workload. Conrad acknowledged that the current squad differs from previous World Cup teams in terms of experience.

"We might not have the names we had in games gone by, but we have a group of guys that pull together. What we might lack in experience, we make up with a bond, togetherness and a desire to play as a unit," Conrad said.

The head coach noted that the players are improving at international cricket while building this collective strength. He also expressed the team's ambition to return to the World Test Championship final. He referenced South Africa's recent success in Test cricket, stating that the team hopes to replicate that achievement with the ODI side in preparation for the World Cup.