Latest news with #Conrad
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
'They create their own realities. None are champions': SA coach attacks India, Australia, England; quashes 'Big 3' label
South Africa's emphatic World Test Championship victory at Lord's has done more than silence critics. As the Proteas returned home to a hero's welcome at OR Tambo International Airport, head coach Shukri Conrad delivered a strong response to the narrative that his team had taken an easier route to the final. Much of the pre-final chatter, particularly from sections of the Australian and UK media, questioned the Proteas' credentials. Critics pointed to South Africa's WTC fixtures, alleging they had not faced enough of the 'Big Three' – India, Australia, and England – to justify their place in the final. This, despite the Proteas having played India earlier in the WTC cycle. Conrad, however, wasn't interested in debating perceptions. 'They create their own realities, and unfortunately, none of them are (Test) champions,' he told 'We are the Test champions now, so I feel absolutely nothing about the top three. I don't believe that there is a top three.' South Africa had not only reached the final with a seven-match unbeaten streak but also outplayed Australia in the title clash to earn the mace. Despite the disparity in experience – Australia fielded stalwarts like Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon, both of whom have crossed the 100-Test mark – South Africa never considered themselves underdogs. The Proteas' squad, younger and far less experienced on paper, believed in their ability. 'We always felt that we belonged. We never even felt that we were underdogs in any of this. There's never a conversation that happened in any of our team talks,' said Conrad. 'Everybody dubbed Australia as the huge favourites, probably on the back of the experience more than anything else. 'I don't think we ever, ever felt that there is a big three. Only in their own minds is there a big three. We've never felt that there's a big three. We might not have played England or Australia in the build-up to the final, but we managed to play Australia in the final, and we wouldn't have wanted it any other way.'
Courier-Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Courier-Mail
Renowned architects list own home after 70 years
On the market for the first time in 70 years, a groundbreaking architect-designed Fig Tree Pocket home is testament to the fact great design is truly timeless. Perched on a ridgeline, the riverside residence was originally built in the late 1940s, and boasts views to Mt Coot-Tha, the city, and Mount Gravatt. The home won a number of awards for its visionary design when first constructed before being purchased by architect Bill Conrad and his wife Janet, who was among Queensland's first female landscape architects. Their son Michael Conrad explained his parents bought the property prior to their wedding in 1957 and lived there for almost their entire married lives. 'Dad grew up in Hamilton and Mum in Coorparoo,' he said. 'So, to move to the other side of town to a property that had been a pineapple plantation with a dirt road was quite bold. 'But for 63 years they lived here. 'It's just one of those houses you never want to move from.' Set over two titles on a sprawling 3136sq m of private grounds, the home has undergone a series of renovations. 'When they bought it, it was a two-bedroom house with maid's quarters underneath,' Mr Conrad said. 'After my eldest brother was born, they extended it to add another two bedrooms. 'Then, when we all moved out, they remodelled, and one bedroom became an extension to the dining area.' Designed to maximise those sweeping city and river views, the home now includes three bedrooms, formal and informal living areas, an open plan kitchen and lounge area, and a self-contained studio. Featuring wood panelling, timber floors, signature stonework, and floor-to-ceiling glass, it boasts a post-modern vibe that was well ahead of its time. 'The Crow ash timber floors and the stonework in the entry way are absolutely beautiful,' Mr Conrad said. 'To do something like that was really a bit daring for such a conservative time.' But it's not just the house with architectural credentials. The tiered garden is a work of art itself. 'The garden was designed by Mum and it's just as unique as the house and the site it's located on,' Mr Conrad said. 'There are bushy areas, native zones, exotic bits, and it was designed so the garden would grow around the house but when you're inside you can still enjoy the view and see everything.' Mr Conrad said the property and its riverside location made for an idyllic childhood as the suburb of Fig Tree Pocket evolved around them. 'Mum and Dad had three boys, and we grew up in that house, running around in the bushy backyard, fishing in the river, and catching crabs,' Mr Conrad said. 'We'd sail, water ski, and one time I even swam across the river to visit a friend. 'It was great fun.' The property also proved ideal for entertaining, with Mr Conrad recalling long lunches enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with up to 70 people in attendance. 'They'd go right through the afternoon and into the evening,' he said. MORE: Brutal honesty sends 46-year Aus family home viral 'Iconic' pink house hits the market Party pad that has hosted celebs and sports stars hits the market Located at 290 Jesmond Rd, the property encompasses two titles, includes 36m of waterfrontage and is touted as the highest riverfront property in Brisbane's western suburbs. It offers buyers a series of options, including preserving the architect-designed home, rebuilding or renovating the residence, or potentially developing the site. The property is listed with Rachael Spinks of Spinks & Co Residential and is scheduled to go to auction on June 28.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad: WTC victory proves Test cricket is thriving
Markram scored a sensational 136 and Bavuma made an invaluable 66 batting with an injured hamstring at the other end, as the pair shared a pivotal 147-run stand for the third wicket in pursuit of 282 for victory. Skipper Temba Bavuma formed part of the match-winning partnership with Aiden Markram in the fourth innings, as the Proteas emerged emphatic winners. South Africa clinched the WTC final at Lord's on Saturday, beating Australia by five wickets at the home of cricket. Conrad was speaking at the Proteas press conference on Wednesday in Johannesburg, to welcome the team back to South Africa. In the wake of South Africa's breakthrough victory in the World Test Championship ( WTC ) final, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad says Test cricket remains the ultimate for players. The Enduring Significance of Test Cricket According to Shukri Conrad 'I think the big thing and firstly what it shows is that you can only look at the guys in the front here, it remains the best format for them. It's the format that they all hold the dearest,' said Conrad. 'The big spin-off for me is that you've got a strong Test team that plays regularly, that performs as well as we have, then the spin-offs are major for the other formats.' It's often said that Test cricket is dying, while the shorter formats, especially T20, provide the most interest and in income generation for the game. Conrad, though, insisted there is still an important role for Test cricket. 'We know T20 is the most popular, it brings in the money, but you'll have good T20 teams on the back of good Test teams, because your best players remain your best players, whether they play T20 or Test cricket, that's been proven. 'We're very hopeful that going forward it remains the pinnacle of the sport. I think we've seen people fall in love with Test cricket again. 'I've never seen so many people watch Test cricket. I've never seen so many people in the airport before. That's not on the back of a T20, that's on the back of the Test team being as successful as we are.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad: There's so more to come from this Test team
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad enjoys the moment upon arrival at OR Tambo Airport on Wednesday. Photo: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Media Proteas coach Shukri Conrad feels that that there is more that the Test team have to offer, despite despite their brilliant performance at Lord's last week to clinch the World Test Championship crown. South Africa beat Australia by five wickets, a team currently ranked No 1 in the world in the ICC rankings. Fans flocked to OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday to welcome the Proteas Test team after a successful trip to the United Kingdom, where they broke the country's 27-year trophy drought. However, upon the Test team's arrival in Johannesburg on Wednesday from London, Conrad reiterated his belief that the world is yet to see the full potential of his team. 'We won comfortably in the end, and I still don't think we played as well as we can play. I mean, Aiden's (Markram) probably played his best Test knock. I don't think South Africa's seen a better Test innings. KG (Ngidi), Lungi (Ngidi), all of these,' Conrad said. 'I can name the guys that have performed in this Test match, but there's so much else sitting in this change-room that scares me. 'It excites me at the same time as to where we can go with this group. 'I'm really looking forward to the next couple of years.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Home of South African Cricket📍🏢 Our ICC World Test Champions arriving at the Cricket South Africa Head Office following their historic conquest of the World Test Championship 🏆🔥. #WTCFinal #ProteasWTCFinal #WozaNawe — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 18, 2025 One of the key elements of this Test team that has played a key role in the side bringing the ICC mace back home is the trust that they have in each other. From the coach Conrad to the captain Temba Bavuma and the rest of the team, there is belief and backing that every individual is capable of getting the job done when called upon. Conrad highlighted that not a lot was said when SA were bowled out for 138 in the first innings or in any instance where the team had their backs against the wall, which could be attributed to the responsibility placed in every individual in the team. Moreover, just as at Lord's last week, different players stood out and made significant contributions throughout the two-year cycle leading up to the final. A triumphant reception awaited the Proteas at O.R. Tambo International Airport, where crowds gathered to give the national team a hero's welcome after they were victorious at the World Test Championship. 📷: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers#Proteas #cricket… — IOL News (@IOL) June 18, 2025 'I think we knew we were behind, but again, the hallmark of this team is the ability to stand up, and different guys can stand up when the occasion demands,' the SA coach said. 'When you need your Rolls-Royce to come purring down the street, then he does that, and I'm talking about Kagiso Rabada. There was no talk. 'But even before then, a nine-over spell, I've never seen Lungi bowl as much as that in his life. 'But that spell of Lungi (where he took 3/35, including the big scalp of Steve Smith) pretty much turned over the Test match in our favour. 'The world's best batsman (Smith), he stood between us chasing 280 and maybe 380, and Lungi's spell, again, on the back of criticism and all of these things... 'Our guys just know when to stand up, and this is the hallmark of this team. Different guys do it when it is required of everybody.' Although some of the stalwarts such as Rabada will be rested, the Proteas are back in action soon in a two-Test away series in Zimbabwe. The first clash starts on June 28 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Proteas plot more domination after World Test Championship triumph
The Proteas plan to use their World Test Championship victory as a propeller towards more major tournament success, with the 2027 one-day international World Cup in South Africa a major target. On the back of their historic World Test Championship (WTC) final success over Australia, the Proteas believe that this is just the beginning. The South Africans returned home from England on Wednesday, 18 June after their five-wicket victory over old foes Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground. After a rousing welcome from hundreds of supporters gathered at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, the team headed to the Cricket South Africa headquarters for their homecoming press conference. Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie was in attendance, as was Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. Onwards and upwards At this engagement with journalists, both the team's leaders, coach Shukri Conrad and undefeated captain Temba Bavuma, told the packed room of their mutual belief that South Africa was perfectly placed to not only challenge for major trophies, but actually win them. 'From a team perspective, we'd like to be the start of a team that will encourage future Proteas teams to win trophies. That's what connects us. We hope that will be the start of us winning a lot more trophies. As much as we've achieved in the last 24 months, it's not a big legacy as yet. Let's speak again in two or three years' time,' Bavuma told journalists. 'We want to carry on with the momentum that we have gained. We're quite optimistic and we see no reason why we can't emulate what we've done in Tests within the white ball space. Especially because the majority of the guys in the Test team you'll also see in the white ball team,' the Proteas captain said. Including himself, the likes of fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, all-rounder Marco Jansen and batter Aiden Markram also regularly represent South Africa across formats. Now this core group has been joined by coach Conrad. Coaching synergy First appointed as South African coach at the beginning of 2023, Conrad has revitalised the Proteas in Tests. In May this year, he was installed as the team's coach in all three international formats. Before that, he shared the responsibility of Proteas coach with Rob Walter. The latter was charged with overseeing both limited-overs sides until his sudden resignation in April. Walter has since been appointed as head coach of the New Zealand team. His family also lives in that country. After Walter's departure, whose highlight was leading South Africa to a maiden World Cup final at the 2024 T20 showpiece (before defeat to India), there is even more synergy within the Proteas team with players all listening to the same voice, regardless of the format. Conrad believes that, spurred on by the historic WTC success, South Africa can once again become a significant force in international cricket, with trophies to show for it. 'This is not me being arrogant. But we have not played as best as we can yet… We can name all the guys that performed in the Test final [such as Rabada and Markram]. But there's so much potential sitting in this changeroom. It scares me and excites me at the same time. I look forward to seeing where we can go with this group,' Conrad said. Minister McKenzie's promise The coach's sentiments were backed up by McKenzie, who said he was excited about seeing what the future held for South African cricket – especially considering that the next one-day international World Cup was set to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027. 'This win goes far beyond the field. It says that we can do things right in South Africa. We can come back from whatever they label us – chokers and all the other funny names we've been called… Trust me when I tell you that this is just the beginning of this team's greatness,' McKenzie said. He revealed that the Proteas had been invited to dine with President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he hoped the government would show its appreciation for the team with a financial reward. 'The way we win as South Africans, if we were to give everybody bonuses, the country would be bankrupt… But we owe this team a great debt of gratitude and we have to do something for them as government. They are going to the big boss and they will not leave empty-handed if I can have my way,' said McKenzie. Conrad believes South Africa belongs at the pinnacle of global cricket after all the history it has contributed to the game. He has made it his mission to erase all the heartache that has been associated with the Proteas. Before the home spectacle in two years, the South Africans have an opportunity to showcase their growth and hunger for success at the 2026 T20 World Cup which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. DM
