Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad was quick to point out the difference in quality following his side’s humbling loss to New Zealand in their first Test match.
Conrad called it a ‘wake-up call,’ as his side crumbled to a 281-run defeat on day four of the match.
The team was mainly composed of inexperienced players, with the regulars missing due to their commitments in the domestic SA20 league.
Captain Neil Brand, all-rounder Ruan de Swardt, fast bowler Tshepo Moreki, wicketkeeper Clyde Fortuin, and batters Edward Moore and Raynard van Tonder were the debutants.
Conrad believes the Proteas lacked intensity with and without the ball.
“If I’m brutally honest, I think this match showed quite a few things.
“We’ve obviously got to factor in the nervous tension and everything that goes with debuting for a lot of players, and obviously the nerves that a Test match brings, but I think the divide (between SA and NZ) is great,” admitted Conrad during the post-match press conference.
Conrad says the loss has been a tough lesson for his side, who will face the Black Caps in the second Test starting in Hamilton on Tuesday.
“I think the real test will come when we step out on the field again in a few days’ time.
“For now, they’re in decent spirits. Obviously, a few of them would have taken a bit of a knock in terms of the harsh realities that Test cricket brings and possibly how far away they probably still are.
“I think many felt they were closer to the Test side than they currently are, and when you go through a few days like they have been, there’s a bit of a jolt and a little wake-up call,” said Conrad.
