Shukri Conrad hopes WTC win inspires South Africans to fall in love with Test cricket again

Conrad has transformed the national red-ball side over the last two years that culminated in a glorious achievement at the Home of Cricket where the Proteas broke their ICC trophy drought.

Plenty of South Africans flocked to London to witness history being made against old rivals Australia in a contest that will live long in the memory and Conrad hopes the effects are felt back home.

"I just want people to fall in love with First-Class and Test cricket again and I think people will, because the spin-offs are immense," Conrad said.

"T20, the most popular format, benefits if you've got a strong first-class system and a strong Test team. You only need to look at the IPL.

"Our players are the most sought after, and today we become World Test Champions as well."

Conrad added that the four days at Lord's was the "best cricketing experience we've ever been a part of" as the match ebbed and flowed and that would he not change his mind even if the result had gone differently.

"It's easy to say this because we've won, but if the result was different, it'd still have been the best cricketing experience we've ever been a part of," he said.

"It's an absolute spectacle. Everything about this place is spot on: the vibe, the crowd support, it was wonderful.

"And for people who take time off and spend hard-earned cash at 24 Rands to a Pound to come out here and support, we're just thrilled that we could deliver for them as well."

The Proteas do not have any home Tests scheduled in the next summer as the venues are being refurbished for the 2027 World Cup but the following season England and Australia will come over for long format tours.

READ MORE: Proteas Women amass highest ever ODI total against West Indies to level series