Shukri Conrad pulled no punches after the Proteas’ first-Test defeat to Australia. While an eight-month break from Test cricket may have played a role, he insisted there are no excuses. Injuries and the absence of Kagiso Rabada hurt the bowling attack, while the spinners showed signs of rust. Conrad praised Aiden Markram’s fighting second innings and expects a strong response from the batting unit, with Matthew Breetzke and Marques Ackerman in contention ahead of the second Test.
