Best By claiming that he intended to have India’s players bow down, Shukri Conrad ends the controversy he started last week. In order to stop Temba Bavuma from being unfairly questioned about the issue, that should take place.
It has appeared twice. In the last seven days, Bavuma has been in the news, and until Conrad takes action, it will probably be brought up once more and earn more notoriety.
“We wanted them to really grovel, to steal a phrase,” was part of Conrad’s explanation last Tuesday for why South Africa had batted till the ninth over of the third session on the fourth day of the Guwahati Test, taking a commanding 548.
Bavuma was questioned extensively the following day over his team’s 408-run victory, which was India’s worst home loss. He was questioned, however, if he would “endorse” Conrad’s remarks.
“The comment or remark made by the coach came to me this morning,” stated Bavuma. “Obviously, the game and ensuring that we were in a position to win have been the main thoughts on my mind.
“Sukri is about 60 years old, but I haven’t got a chance to speak with the coach. He has a wealth of prior experience. I believe he will eventually get a chance to address those remarks.
“We recognise the importance of the series from the team’s point of view. We are aware of the series’ intensity. Additionally, there have been instances in which some of the guys have gone too far, as the series has shown.
“Those are incidents that occur during the game; I’m not claiming that the coach has gone too far. He will, however, likely have a chance to talk more about that.
Bavuma did not specify who ‘stepped the line’ or when, but when India’s players debated whether to submit an unsuccessful lbw appeal for his wicket during the first Test at Eden Gardens, they disparagingly mentioned his height.
Bavuma was questioned if “chatter regarding what the coach has spoken about” or “something related to you” was “distracting” his team during his press conference on Tuesday prior to the second ODI in Raipur.
The reporter tried again after Bavuma responded, “No, I don’t think it’s distracting,” and enquired if he wanted to “clarify something on that.”
In response, Bavuma said, “It’s not for me to clarify anything.”
The media manager for South Africa abruptly ended the conversation by saying, “Next question!”
Since Tony Greig used the g-word in reference to West Indies players before to a Test series in England in May 1976, it has been considered a taboo term in cricket. The use of a phrase directly linked to racism and enslavement against Black people by a white South African who was born and raised in the apartheid state was excessive.
With good reason, the West Indians were furious and took it to the pitch, winning the five-match rubber 3-0. Their bowling became more aggressive every time Greig entered the crease. He only made it to 20 once in his seven innings during the series, despite scoring 116 and 76 not out in the fourth Test at Headingley, where the tourists won by 55 runs anyhow.
Conrad is the only person who should not be forced to explain himself, and in this case, it is particularly inappropriate to force a black man to do so.
Since Conrad hasn’t come forward yet, the reporters who placed Bavuma on the position might claim that they had no other option, but they would seem to be unaware of that startling coincidence.
Unfortunately, Bavuma is not inexperienced with this. When Quinton de Kock declined to play in a T20 World Cup match against the West Indies in Dubai in October 2021, he was left to bear the consequences. After the CSA board ordered the players to take a knee prior to the game in support of Black Lives Matter, De Kock declared himself unavailable. Without De Kock, who returned to the starting lineup and took a knee for the remainder of the competition, South Africa won by eight wickets.
Conrad has received helpful guidance from Sunil Gavaskar on how to mend the harm, according to a Monday Cricbuzz report: “I don’t think an apology is necessary; I personally don’t believe in apologies.” But everyone would accept it if it were acknowledged and made up for.
“These occur. You might say something that goes a little too far when you’re in the heat of the moment.
“Given the strong connection between Indian and South African cricket over the last 30 years, I think he can simply clarify that he got a bit carried away.”
Gavaskar is right that there is a clear solution to the dispute. However, only Conrad can fix it. Putting Conrad’s affairs in order without requiring him to make quick decisions while sat behind the microphones might be accomplished by issuing a statement.
At his next press conference, he will undoubtedly be questioned on the matter, even if a statement does arrive before his appearance. Conrad is more than capable of skilfully talking himself out of this situation because he is a kind, knowledgeable, and talented speaker.
According to Cricbuzz, Conrad is probably going to field questions following Saturday’s third ODI in Visakhapatnam. His news briefings are always worth going to, but this one won’t be missed.
India
