Proteas coach Shukri Conrad defends picking depleted squad for New Zealand series

The Test matches against the Black Caps clash with the SA20 tournament and Cricket South Africa (CSA) stated that nationally contracted would be available for the domestic franchise league because it is top priority.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from around the cricketing world with Australia great Steve Waugh particularly scathing in his analysis, stating that "obviously they (CSA) don't care" about Test cricket.

READ: Cricket SA defend depleted squad for New Zealand Test series

When asked to respond to Waugh's comments, Conrad said: "I don't think Steve Waugh is going to care what I say, but I love how everyone outside of South Africa has become experts on South African cricket. Our hands have been forced.

"There was a cock-up, a balls-up, somebody got it wrong, with the scheduling and this is why we find ourselves in this position.

"I think everyone understands that the SA20 has to happen... it is going to be the lifeblood of SA cricket. If it doesn't happen, we won't have Test cricket anyway.

"It is unfortunate, but you all saw the value of the league last year and we have to find a way to co-exist with the league, co-exist with leagues around the world to ensure the sustainability of the game.

"Maybe there are powers higher up that also need to start taking a few stances in terms of where Test cricket sits for nations outside of the 'Big 3'."

Of the squad that drew the series against India, only David Bedingham, Keegan Petersen and Zubayr Hamza will be on the plane to New Zealand.

There are seven uncapped players in the 14-man squad, including captain Neil Brand, and Conrad knows it will take a monumental effort to get something from the series.

He added: "It's still South Africa who are going there. We don't sing a different national anthem. We don't wear a different blazer. We're going to give our best shot.

"I hate the fact that South Africa go as underdogs because I don't think we should ever be underdogs, but we do go as underdogs. Let™s not fool ourselves."

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