Proteas coach Shukri Conrad expressed enthusiasm about his team finally having the opportunity to play in front of home fans during the ODI series matches against Australia, which kick off on Thursday at the Kingsmead stadium.
Last season, the men's team was limited to only three home T20 matches as Cricket SA prepared for the first ICC World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in the last 24 years. However, after this challenging period, Proteas is preparing for a busy season of international games at home, starting with the tour against Australia.
Following the Australian visit, matches are scheduled against Bangladesh (two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20s), and then England will arrive during the holidays to play three Test matches and three ODIs, including the revival of the iconic New Year Test in Newlands.
Summer Season Overview
Conrad exclusively told IOL Sport that the recent experience in Namibia was just a 'trial run' before the real summer season begins. He stated that it would be a 'massive' and 'exciting' summer, emphasizing that any cricket fan should be thrilled by these events.
Conrad noted the special importance of playing on familiar Proteas grounds and in front of local fans, adding a special message to the nation. He stressed that there is a responsibility, especially when playing at home, as home support has long been deprived of Test matches, particularly in international format.
He added that although players represent many teams today, there must be a 'home,' and for Proteas, this is that home. He believes this place should be 'comfortable,' and reminded that they last played here about two years ago. Conrad concluded that the country is always important, and in light of the current events in the country, the team must bring hope and provide a source of joyful moments so people can unite, even if briefly, and share a sense of belonging to South Africa. Furthermore, he expressed hope that the men's team could show all men in South Africa what real men should be like.
Lineups for the First ODI in Kingsmead
For the first ODI match in Kingsmead, the squads presented were: Proteas included Tembu Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Briske, Gerald Kotze, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duane Jansen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Nkobani Mokoena, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Lizzad Williams. Australia presented Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Joel Davis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Oliver Pike, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanleyk, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa. The match is scheduled for 10 am.