Exclusive: Dale Steyn Applauds Proteas' Test Resurgence Under Shukri Conrad

Former South African paceman Dale Steyn has voiced his admiration for the Proteas' resurgence in Test cricket, highlighting their recent climb to the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) leaderboard. Under the guidance of Head Coach Shukri Conrad, the team has demonstrated significant improvement, boasting eight wins, three losses, and a draw since January 2023.

Shukri Conrad’s Influence

Steyn praised Conrad’s leadership and the balance he has brought to the side.

“We’re reaping the rewards now. Winning consistently to claim the number one spot isn’t easy. Shukri has assembled a solid squad, and his management of player workloads has been phenomenal,” Steyn said.

He highlighted the synergy in the bowling attack, pointing out how Marco Jansen stepped up when Kagiso Rabada’s wickets tapered off. “That partnership with the ball is critical, and we’re seeing it with the bat too. Players like Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham scoring centuries, alongside Temba [Bavuma] being in form, have all contributed to building a strong Test unit.”

Keys to Success: Wickets and Runs

Steyn reiterated the age-old cricketing mantra that taking 20 wickets is key to winning Tests.

“You need a settled bowling unit, and we have that now. Keshav Maharaj has been exceptional, KG [Rabada] is always a threat, and Marco Jansen has become reliable. They’re consistently taking 20 wickets, both at home and abroad," he told SportsBoom.com. 

On the batting front, he emphasized the importance of scoring significant, consistent runs. “The batsmen aren’t just chipping in; they’re delivering match-defining performances.”

Temba Bavuma: A Resilient Leader

Temba Bavuma’s rise as both a batsman and captain has been a cornerstone of the team’s success.

“Temba has been incredible! He’s faced criticism throughout his career but continues to deliver. He scores runs, leads the team, and never complains,” Steyn said.

He also commended Bavuma’s role as a mentor, passing down wisdom from South African legends like Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, and Hashim Amla to younger players such as Bedingham and Aiden Markram.

WTC Qualification and Future Goals

South Africa’s place at the top of the WTC standings, despite playing fewer games than other top teams, has sparked debate.

“Playing fewer games might help in terms of freshness, but everyone wants more Test cricket,” Steyn remarked. “Winning the WTC Final would be great, but I’d rather see us playing 15 or 16 Tests a year.”

Looking ahead to the crucial series against Pakistan, Steyn expressed confidence in the Proteas’ ability to secure the results needed to reach the Final.

“With current form, it would be disappointing not to win or draw the series. Based on our performances, I fully believe we can make the Final. A 2-0 win or even a draw and a win should be the minimum expectation.”

Road to the Final

The Proteas need a win or draw in the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan to confirm their place in the WTC Final. While Steyn remains optimistic, he noted the challenge of transitioning back to Tests after a six-to-seven-month hiatus focused on white-ball cricket.

“Anything can happen in that Final, especially with no Test cricket beforehand. But if we’re in form and play to our potential, we’re definite contenders,” he concluded.

The Proteas’ recent achievements under Conrad, coupled with the individual brilliance of players like Bavuma and Jansen, indicate a promising path forward for South Africa’s Test cricket ambitions.