PROTEAS Test coach Shukri Conrad is believed to be the early front-runner to take over from Rob Walter as South Africa’s limited-overs coach.
Walter resigned from the white-ball coaching gig on Tuesday and will vacate his job at the end of the month.
It is understood that Cricket SA’s executive board had grown increasingly frustrated with the white-ball team’s results under Walter. Additionally, the success of the Proteas Test side under Conrad further intensified the pressure on Walter.
The red-ball span are currently on an eight-game winning streak and are set to face Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.
Conrad has also developed a strong relationship with Proteas Test skipper Temba Bavuma, who also captains the one-day international team. Notably, Conrad briefly took charge of the Proteas ODI team for three matches against England before Walter began his tenure.
That series was crucial to the Proteas’ qualification campaign for the 2023 50-over World Cup after they forfeited an away ODI series against Australia.
Under Conrad’s mentorship, the Proteas defeated the then world champions 2-1, securing valuable qualification points. The Proteas’ next white-ball assignment will be a T20 tri-series featuring hosts Zimbabwe and New Zealand in July.
Celebrating his 58th birthday yesterday, CSA tweeted: “A very special happy birthday to Wisden's Coach of the Year, Shukri Conrad!
"Wishing you another splendid year ahead, filled with greater success and exceptional moments. Happy birthday, Coach!”
Looks like that love affair is as strong as ever...