Conrad's message to Proteas: Embrace testing occasion

EMBRACE the grandeur of the occasion.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

That's Shukri Conrad's message to his young Proteas team as they prepare to face Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's.

An "ordinary" Test at Lord's - if such a thing exists - is customarily associated by pomp or splendour.

The Members Pavillion is adorned with males in navy blue blazers with gold buttons with their necks held up by red and yellow ties - affectionately known as egg and bacon in these parts - that smells of opulence and inheritance. And the rest of the stands from the Mount to the Tavern are filled with London's most swanky sipping French champagne in crystal glasses.

It's a far cry from wearing shorts and plakkies whilst finishing off a boerie and beer on the Centurion grass banks.

"It is a huge occasion. We can't wish it away," Conrad told the media, at the Thomas Lord Suite on Tuesday.

"It's difficult not to get the place out of your system. We've almost taken the, 'let's embrace it, whatever comes with it approach. It's going to be humming, well, two days' time.