Shukri Conrad Hails New Zealand Tour as Key Learning Curve for Proteas Rookies

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad believes the ongoing New Zealand tour has given remarkable opportunities to the fringe players. He said series like this in which many high profile players are absent, often helps the management to find new promising talent.

Speaking ahead of the last game between South Africa vs New Zealand at Christchurch, Shukri Conrad said that the timing of the series is a bit awkward, but it has proved valuable for many players who had been waiting for their chances for a long time.

"I think it's been an exciting series. Whether it is fully-fledged international cricket, I think the jury is out on that and many people will have their opinions on it. But as soon as you pull on that Proteas jumper, and I'm sure the same for the Kiwis, you represent your country and you've got to try and make them proud." said Shukri Conrad while speaking to the reporters.

South Africa have only three players from their recent T20 World Cup squad on this tour. On the other hand, New Zealand had eight players from their T20 World Cup squad available for the first three matches, before their team also became depleted.

With several top players missing out because of IPL and PSL contracts, Conrad admitted that people will have different views about this tour as it includes under-strength sides.

"It was always a tough one coming after a World Cup. It was never about the exit in the World Cup, but a lot of people would be questioning the value of the series and why you would have it. I think we all did at some stage." said South Africa head coach, Shukri Conrad.

He then said that the ongoing series is important for those players who performed well in the SA20, as it has given them a chance to showcase their skills at the international level.

"When you look at some of the younger guys, again, that have become household names in SA20, as soon as you expose them to international cricket, that there's still a gap and there's still a pressure and a scrutiny that they would never have experienced before.” said Shukri Conrad.