South Africa Coach Criticizes Newlands Pitch After Record-Breaking Test Match

Shukri Conrad, the head coach of South Africa, described the Newlands surface, where the game's shortest Test match ever took place, as "not great" on Thursday, saying that pure luck prevailed over skill.

In a match that lasted only 106.2 overs and was completed in a day and a little more than one session, India defeated South Africa by seven wickets.

"I have no idea what the public wants me to say. All you have to do is glance at the scores. A test match lasting 1.5 days! Take a look at the way they pursued 80 (79). When skill is not enough, you are in a sad state. After the series ended in a 1-1 deadlock, former Western Province cricketer Conrad blasted, "All the ethics and values of Test cricket goes out the window."

As the coach of Western Province and the renowned insider, he was questioned concerning the surface on which balls were seemingly launching themselves long distances.

"What's going on here, I have no idea. I've moved on. Not qualified to discuss what happens behind closed doors. The bosses of the Western Province and Cricket South Africa (CSA) would suffer from his candid assessment that "everyone knows the wicket wasn't great."

Conrad felt sorry for Braam Mong, the chief curator of Newlands, who may have "over-prepared" the surface, as the head coach of the Proteas put it.

"Braam Mong is someone I know. Braam is a decent man. Good guys are not perfect and occasionally make mistakes. This does not qualify him as a subpar groundskeeper. He will learn a great deal from this. I may stop by and talk to him to find out what he is seeing.

"You also need to feel bad for the groundskeepers. The wicket may be over-prepared because he wants to get it perfect too. Accept it," Conrad remarked.

It seemed only a matter of time for you to leave: Markram

During his 103-ball 106, Aiden Markram, who may have played his best Test innings under the most difficult circumstances, stated that he felt like he could be dismissed at any moment.

Attack seemed to be the best form of defense on this track.

"Yes, attack is the best form of defense in certain situations. It seems like it will only be a matter of time until you leave. When you're there, you have to make the most of it and win.

Squeeze a 50; in difficult circumstances, it might go a long way. Partnerships and roles. It may be necessary for someone to stay put and allow another guy to score." Without holding back, Markram acknowledged that being bowled out for 55 in the opening innings was unacceptable.

"Excellent performance? Not fifty-five, for sure. It was really challenging. You may occasionally discover that you nick every ball. It seemed like we were having one of those days.

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"With hindsight, we should have strived for 150. The game would have been excellent. It was challenging to return from there."