Shukri Conrad has always done it his way
REPAYING THE FAITH Lungi Ngidi repaid Proteas coach Shukri Conrad's faith on Day 2 at Lord's. Picture: BackpagePix
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
My friend, I'll say it clear
And so I face the final curtain
And now, the end is near
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all, and I stood tall
And did it my way
This may be the chorus of Frank Sinatra's legendary song, but it could easily be Shukri Conrad's mantra heading into the biggest day in South Africa's cricket history in more than a decade at Lord's on Friday.
Conrad has made bold calls ever since he took charge of the Proteas Test team.
From installing Temba Bavuma as captain to recalling Dane Paterson from the bowels of English County Cricket only to drop him after bagging consecutive five-fors, Conrad has 'done it my way'.
Paterson's omission from the World Test Championship Final here at Lord's caused particular consternation, especially with the 36-year-old seamer having prepared for The Ultimate Test by playing at Lord's for Middlesex the past two months.
Instead, Conrad placed his trust in Lungi Ngidi as the third seamer, which raised significant eyebrows due to Ngidi having pulled last on his Test whites in Port of Spain back in August 2024.
Ngidi's rustiness showed in the Australian first innings with the 29-year-old sending down a pile of dross from the Pavillion End as he conceded 45 runs across two four-over spells.
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