Proteas team coach, Shukri Conrad, expresses hope that the temporary surfaces currently being created in South Africa will not be used in the upcoming World Cup. Over the past two years, Cricket SA has been producing such temporary surfaces for major sports venues across the country.
For instance, at the Wanderers stadium, which is likely to host the 2027 World Cup final, a surface prepared in a stainless steel tray next to the playing area and subsequently installed on the field was already used. According to player reports, the ball 'flew slightly low' from the Golf Course side, while Lions bowling coach Allan Donald noted that it 'played very well.'
Conrad admits that he has little experience working with such surfaces but believes that their use would negate any potential home-ground advantage for Proteas. During a media briefing on Tuesday, he stated: 'The only experience I have is observing from afar when this was used at the T20 World Cup in America, and we all know how it played. Therefore, I am not sure if it will be used at the World Cup at all.'
He added that he would like these surfaces to be used widely before a final decision is made. 'On a personal level—and this is not an opinion of Cricket South Africa or anyone; I must add a disclaimer—I would be disappointed if they were used in the World Cup because it nullifies any advantage that the home ground might offer, if such an advantage exists. We know that our conditions in South Africa are unique at each venue. And I would like that advantage to remain.'
Conrad expressed surprise if these surfaces are deployed for the World Cup, as he feels they should be extensively tested during the summer through domestic tournaments to understand how they behave and withstand stress. He concluded: 'So, frankly, I don't know how they react. I don't know how they play. My hope is that they will be used domestically, say, for two years, and then play their role after the World Cup.'
Former Proteas players Dave Callahan and Tabraiz Shamsi criticized these temporary surfaces on social media. Callahan stated: 'My feeling is that a lot of money was spent fixing what wasn't broken,' and Shamsi added: 'Knowing the conditions is a huge advantage, and Proteas will lose that at the World Cup if we play on temporary surfaces.'
