'Close friend' KG and Ngidi have our backing, says Bavuma

WHEN Proteas coach Shukri Conrad announced his squad for next month's World Test Championship final at Lord’s in London, many were anticipating a few surprises as the 58-year-old has made some old calls in his time as coach.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

However, Conrad only made one noticeable change from the squad that played Pakistan here at home last summer, with Lungi Ngidi replacing the young Kwena Maphaka in the side.

Many would have thought that Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee would be in the squad, considering that they are back to full fitness. However, Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma believed their inclusions in the side would be too much of a risk, as they simply haven't played much red ball cricket in the ongoing cycle.

"There’s a guy like Gerald, and Ana (Nortje) and I would probably put them in the same category from a concern from a fitness point of view. So I think that would be too much of a view, too much of a risk," Bavuma said in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

"Kwena as well, in terms of familiarity, I don’t think he’s played there in the UK. So to be throwing in a young guy like that, I think it’s a big ask for him. I think Lungi gives you experience, he's played in those conditions.