South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad didn’t mince his words while assessing his side’s “embarrassing” defeat in the third ODI against England at The Rose Bowl. South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad wasn’t pleased as the Temba Bavuma-led side suffered a 342-run defeat in third ODI of the series against India, the worst loss (by runs) in ODI cricket history. He called it ‘slightly embarrassing’ as South Africa faced a similar loss against Australia last month.
Despite sealing the series 2-0, South Africa crashed to a record-breaking 342-run defeat against England in the third ODI. Head coach Shukri Conrad labelled the display ’embarrassing,’ while captain Temba Bavuma conceded it ‘wasn’t good enough,’ especially in contrast to their recent heroics in Australia.
South Africa hit rock bottom after facing annihilation in Southampton, which ended with a 342-run defeat, the biggest in the history of the format, surpassing India’s previous 317-run win against Sri Lanka in 2023 at Thiruvananthapuram. The third ODI was a dead rubber, considering South Africa had raced to an unassailable 2-0 lead after the second fixture, marking their first series win in the format since 1998.
England came out to bat and notched a herculean 414/5, courtesy of centuries from Jacob Bethell (110) and Joe Root (100). Jofra Archer left the tourists shell-shocked with his scorching pace. South African batters scurried for runs but folded on a mere 72.
Just two weeks ago, South Africa surrendered to a 276-run clobbering against Australia in Mackay, which has now slipped to their second-worst defeat in the 50-over format. After the conclusion of the series, South Africa is now forced to mull over how easily they switch off once the contest is done and dusted, and the result doesn’t matter.
South Africa endured a humiliating 342-run defeat to England in Southampton, the heaviest ODI loss in history. Despite sealing the series earlier, their sloppy bowling, dropped catches, and batting collapse drew sharp criticism from coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, who admitted embarrassment and complacency.
Slightly embarrasing- Shukri Conrad on South Africa’s defeat
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad was infuriated after his side suffered a crushing defeat in the third ODI against England in Southampton, losing by a record-breaking margin of 342 runs. The Proteas had already secured the series 2-0, making the third match a dead rubber, but the manner of the defeat has raised serious questions about their performance and focus from the head coach and captain.
The heavy loss marked the biggest margin in the history of ODI cricket, surpassing India’s previous record 317-run win against Sri Lanka in 2023. After inserting England to bat first on winning the toss, the hosts posted a mammoth total of 414/5, powered by centuries from Jacob Bethell and Joe Root, before bowling South Africa out for a paltry 72 runs.
After England posted 414/5, South Africa were bowled out for 72 in 20.5 overs as they suffered a batting collapse of epic proportions. Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Adil Rashid rushed through the Proteas batting lineup at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
At one point, South Africa were 24/6 in the 10th over. Corbin Bosch (20) and Keshav Maharaj (17) prevented South Africa from getting bowled for their lowest ODI score. Bavuma did not walk out to bat due to calf injury as South Africa were bowled out for 72, their second-lowest ODI score. Their lowest ODI score of 69 came against Australia in 1993. Recently, they were bowled out for 155 in the run chase of 432 against Mitchell Marsh-led side.
“Any excuse is better than noAfter England posted 414/5, South Africa were bowled out for 72 in 20.5 overs as they suffered a batting collapse of epic proportions. Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Adil Rashid rushed through the Proteas batting lineup at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. ne. We were definitely off today. And against a top side like England, when you’re not on top of your game, you do get exposed,” said an infuriated Shukri Conrad at the post-match press conference.
This was not the first time South Africa crumbled in a dead rubber. In August, against Australia, they suffered a 276-run defeat in the third and final ODI after taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Once again, the Proteas missed the chance to complete a clean sweep.
“A similar thing happened in Australia, where after going 2-0 up, it was a complete aberration. They got in excess of 400 as well. But if we were going to be poor at something, we’d rather be poor at games that aren’t clutch games. We’re not making light of today’s defeat. That was slightly embarrassing,” Shukri Conrad added.
Much like in that Australia series, basic errors compounded South Africa’s woes this time too. In the first innings, they missed several key chances, and England capitalised on every opportunity. The Proteas bowled 19 wides and dropped two crucial catches, including one of Jamie Smith on 23 and another by Jacob Bethell on 44, who later went on to score his maiden ODI hundred.
“The bowling affects the fielding and the other way around, but nine out of ten times, Matthew Breetzke is taking that catch [off Smith, who offered a chance off a leading edge in the covers],” Shukri Conrad reflected.
Shukri Conrad further explained that the team needs to handle pressure situations better and raise its standards.
“We’re not going to read too much into that, but it’s a difficult one because when that edge is not there and something doesn’t go your way and the harder you try, it’s just not there. I’m not offering it as an excuse because it’s not supposed to be like that, but the fielding wasn’t at the usual high standard that we set. It was an embarrassing performance in the field,” Shukri Conrad admitted.
Even captain Temba Bavuma weighed in, admitting the display was far from a true reflection of South Africa’s recent splendid form in one-day internationals. The South African bowlers helped England smash their fifth-highest ODI team score, and the skipper did not shy away from being critical.
“It was far from ideal, not good enough. It could be complacency,” said Bavuma.
South Africa will play three T20Is against England between September 10 to September 14. They will then take on Namibia in a one-off T20I before heading over to Pakistan for an all-format series including two Tests, three T20Is and three ODIs.
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