KEY POINTS
- Coach Shukri Conrad dismissed the concept of a “Big Three,” stating South Africa never saw themselves as underdogs
- Conrad emphasised that cricketing dominance should be based on merit, not reputation
ISLAMABAD: Following South Africa’s thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s, head coach Shukri Conrad didn’t just celebrate a long-awaited global triumph- he used the moment to challenge the long-standing notion of cricket’s so-called “Big Three.”
With the win, South Africa ended a 26-year drought for major titles in men’s international cricket, last lifting silverware back in 1998.
But instead of resting in the glow of the WTC crown, Conrad seized the spotlight to question the idea that India, England, and Australia sit atop the cricketing hierarchy.
Talking to the media, Conrad dismantled the myth of elite dominance. “We always felt that we belonged,” he said.
“We never thought of ourselves as underdogs – not even once. The whole ‘Australia are favourites’ narrative was based more on their history and experience than on reality.”
Indeed, ahead of the final, many pundits had pegged Australia as heavy favourites, citing South Africa’s perceived “easier route” to the title match.
Critics pointed out that the Proteas avoided playing both England and Australia during the WTC cycle, instead facing three subcontinental teams at home. But Conrad was unfazed.
“I don’t think there’s a Big Three,” he said bluntly. “Only in their own minds does that concept exist. We might not have played England or Australia on the way to the final – but we faced Australia when it mattered most, and we beat them fair and square.”
The WTC Final was more than a title decider – it was a stage for South Africa to rewrite the script.
With poise, passion, and powerful performances, they took down a formidable Australian side in the heart of London, reminding the cricketing world that merit, not mythology, wins championships.
Conrad didn’t stop there. He took a clear swipe at the dominance the so-called “Big Three” exert over global cricket structures, both on and off the field.
“They create their own realities,” he said. “But here’s the truth: none of them are Test champions. We are.”
South Africa’s win is a stirring chapter in Test cricket history- and a bold statement from a team and coach unwilling to be boxed in by reputation or politics.
Under Conrad’s leadership, the Proteas have proved they’re not just participants in the Test arena—they’re rulers of it.
