Shukri Conrad: We owe the country a World Cup

South Africa will host the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, in what will be their best chance to finally break the hoodoo in the international white ball Holy Grail. Conrad says they are aware of what’s expected of them in that tournament and are themselves coveting the much elusive trophy.

"We owe it to the country, there's no doubt. We owe the country a World Cup and we'll be all bent on delivering again. It's not going to be easy, it's never meant to be easy, but we're are excited," said Conrad

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"We're all a bit excited about this summer, we're all a bit excited about playing in a home World Cup and when I look at that trophy from a distance tonight I'm like, yeah I'd love to get my hands on that."

While the guaranteed home support will be a boost for the Proteas, it also means pressure on their shoulders to deliver. Conrad says he will consult with some of the erstwhile Proteas who represented the country in 2003 - the last time the tournament was hosted here – about the pressures of playing in front of the home fans.

The World Cup brand launch and host cities announcement was held last week, and the coach says this makes it feel a lot closer. He says the busy summer ahead will help shape their squad for the tournament.

Shukri’s team will face Australia, Bangladesh, and England in a couple of months’ time, and the players are expected to give it their all in a fight for the 15 spots in the World Cup squad.