South Africa coach Shukri Conrad was thrilled to see his spinners dominate India in the first Test at Eden Gardens, signalling a shift for the Rainbow Nation from being an exclusively fast-bowling country. Fresh from a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Pakistan, South Africa out-bowled India on their own turning strip to secure a 30-run victory and take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
“We are thrilled that we can come here to the subcontinent with a quality pack of spinners. We were always found wanting when we came here. I think it was a mindset change as well, that you’ve got to start showing belief in spin bowlers,” Conrad said during the post-match press conference.
South Africa’s historic win and future ambitions
The win marked South Africa’s first Test victory in India in over 15 years, with their only series triumph dating back to 2000 under Hansie Cronje. Conrad emphasised that spinners are now central to the team’s ambitions for another series win on Indian soil. “I think it will do wonders for our game back home as well because youngsters can now see there’s a line of sight — we’re keen on spinners too. It’s not only a fast-bowling country.”
Conrad highlighted the contribution of skipper Temba Bavuma, who scored an unbeaten 55 in the second innings. “Having our best player back is very reassuring. Temba’s innings and his partnership with Corbin Bosch were immense and gave us something we felt we could defend,” he said.
Veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer was the star with an eight-wicket match haul, earning the Player of the Match award. Conrad recalled Harmer’s determination to return to the side, describing it as a turning point in South Africa’s subcontinent plans.
Conrad also addressed the stump-mic controversy involving Jasprit Bumrah and Bavuma. Praising his captain’s character, he said, “Thankfully, he has got a heart like a giant. We’ll leave it at that.”
Looking ahead, Conrad acknowledged that the job is only half done. “We’ve won a Test here, but the job’s far from done. You come to a country to win the series. Guwahati will present its own challenges, but I’m quietly confident we’ll be up to the task.”
