Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn criticised head coach Shukri Conrad for his choice of words during a media interaction after Day 4 of the second Test against India at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The 58-year-old revealed that the Proteas aimed to make India ‘grovel’ as part of their strategy to delay the second-innings declaration.
Conrad, who led South Africa to the World Test Championship (WTC) title earlier this year as the red-ball coach, used the term ‘grovel’ to highlight the team’s intent to completely eliminate any chance of an Indian victory.
“Obviously, we wanted the Indians to spend as much time on their feet out in the field, we wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase, bat them completely out the game, and then say to them ‘Come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening.’”
“So, so far so good, but we also know that they’re not just going to roll over, we’re going to have to be at our very best in the morning,” the head coach had said during the press conference after Day 4 (via ESPN Cricinfo).
Dale Steyn Labels Coach’s Use Of ‘Grovel’ As Unnecessary
Dale Steyn, also from South Africa, stated that the head coach should never have used the word ‘grovel,’ describing it as completely unnecessary.
“I’m not on that boat, eh? I don’t like that. I almost don’t even want to make a comment about it. There are certain things you just don’t say. There’s stigma attached to it. It just wasn’t necessary. South Africa were in such a dominant position—saying nothing is enough. I’m just not on that boat,” Steyn said on Star Sports (via Hindustan Times).
The ex-South African fast bowler further remarked that Conrad’s softer tone doesn’t excuse his choice of words.
“Maybe I pick up his tone now—it’s not as harsh as Tony Greig’s. But that doesn’t matter. You just don’t use words like that. Toss it. You don’t have to say it. That’s disappointing. Sorry, Shukri, but that’s disappointing,” he added.
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