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In the third and deciding T20I of the series against hosts Australia at the Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns, South Africa had to endure a tough defeat by two wickets with a ball remaining to be bowled in their defence of the 172-run total. After the completion of the match, South African head coach Shukri Conrad addressed the press conference, where he talked about how his players can be too humble at times in certain situations of the game, not showing off more in regards to what they are capable of doing.
Notably, in the third and deciding T20I, South Africa posted a competitive total of 172/7 on the board on the back of an exceptional fifty from Dewald Brevis, who smashed three consecutive no-look sixes on the bowling of Aaron Hardie at one stage. In the run chase, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh scored a fifty at the top of the order before his dismissal led to the team finding themselves in some trouble.
But then, Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 62 off 36 with eight fours and two sixes, steering Australia over the line in a close game, to earn himself the player of the match award and secure a 2-1 series win for them as well. Shukri Conrad, who had spoken about how his players didn’t do justice to their talent and skill in the series, also pointed out how the Australians managed to get out of a tough situation in the contest.
Australians have got a blueprint as to how they want to play: Shukri Conrad
“They (Australians) have got a blueprint as to how they want to play. There are times when it looks absolutely brilliant and it's box-office stuff. And there are times when you can have them in trouble, like we had them in the first couple of games. But they stay true to it,” remarked Shukri Conrad, as per ESPNcricinfo. He also talked about how some of the star players in the South African setup have “boxed themselves” in a way.
“What does it mean for us? It's easier on the batting front, guys like [[Tristan Stubbs] and Ricks [Ryan Rickelton] and Aiden [Markram] himself... there's so much that they can do. But feel that they have maybe boxed themselves in a little bit too much,” Shukri Conrad further said.
