Shukri Conrad and Pat Moroney's alliance: The Proteas' new 'Government of Cricket Unity'

COMMENT

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

That’s certainly how I felt about the Proteas Men’s team. 

Head coach Shukri Conrad has been responsible for all selections since his appointment and the ICC World Test mace perched splendidly in Cricket SA’s trophy cabinet at their Illovo office is the result. 

Conrad’s coaching philosophy has fostered an environment where honesty and open communication thrive. Players are able to express themselves with clarity regarding their roles being a cornerstone of the team's culture. 

Unlike in previous years, where players were often left in the dark following squad announcements, the current setup allows individuals to gauge their standing within the team's future without the fear of unpleasant surprises.

This is a refreshing change that strengthens the collective resolve of the squad moving forward.

So, why then appoint a Convenor of Selectors? 

This is not a slight on Pat Moroney, the incoming COS, who boasts all the experience of having worked within CSA’s structures since 2001, but yet one cannot help but wonder about the necessity of such a position given the harmony achieved under Conrad's direct oversight.

The only explanation I can fathom is Conrad’s increased workload now that he has been appointed all-format coach. 

As solely Test coach, Conrad had the time to attend domestic matches and even coach South Africa ‘A’ on various occasions to formulate that unique rapport with the players. 

I vividly recall Conrad spending time at Western Province Cricket Club closely monitoring the likes of Corbin Bosch and Codi Yusuf whilst playing for South Africa ‘A’ against their England counterparts last year.

Both seamers have since progressed to make their Proteas Test debuts with aplomb.

However, with Conrad now set to spend extensive periods travelling internationally, the need for an extra set of eyes roving domestically may be required.

When asked his thoughts on having to “deal with” a prospective incoming COS back in May, Conrad stated:

“I don’t think the words ‘dealing with a convenor’ is the right narrative we want to project. Hopefully it will be a like-minded person who has South African cricket and, more importantly, the Proteas as first prize all the time.”

But he also went further: “The last thing you want is for someone to come in with a completely different agenda.

“It’s important for players to know exactly where they stand, who’s accountable, who’s the sole voice who takes responsibility, because I don’t like collective responsibility.

“Cricket has never been a democracy. Whoever the fall guy is, he takes the rap.”

It is fortunate then that this new Government of Cricket Unity formed between Conrad and Moroney has travelled a long road previously.

Moroney was the SA U19 COS when Conrad was head coach of the Junior Proteas a few years back. 

It was this combination that provided the platform for Dewald Brevis to take centre stage at the ICC U19 World Cup in the Caribbean in 2022.

Equally, Moroney and Conrad sung from the same hymn sheet when they picked an unknown 16-year-old by the name of Kwena Maphaka for that self-same ICC U19 World Cup, which paved the way for the left-arm seamer to explode two years later at the next edition on South African soil.

Moroney’s in-depth knowledge of fellow teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s journey will also help Conrad manage the precocious talent moving forward.

Cricket may not be a Democracy, but perhaps there is a place for Epistocracy - where some are better equipped to make decisions than others due to their knowledge, understanding, or competence - within the Proteas Men’s team.