South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, described the Newlands surface, where the shortest Test match in history was played, as ”not great,” and where pure luck trumped pure skill. India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in a Test match that lasted only 106.2 overs and was completed in a day and a little more than one session.

SA vs IND, 2nd Test: Scorecard

“I don’t know what people want me to say. You only need to look at the scores. 1.5-day Test match! You need to look at how they chased 80 (79). Sad state when you need more luck than skill. All the ethics and values of Test cricket goes out the window,” Conrad told the reporters after the series ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

He was asked about the surface where balls were just flying from length because he was a Western Province coach and the proverbial insider.

“I don’t know what’s going on here. I have moved on. Not in a position to know the goings on between the walls here. Everybody knows the wicket wasn’t great,” Conrad added.

Conrad sympathised with Newlands chief curator Braam Mong, who, according to the Proteas head coach, may have ”over-prepared” the surface.

“I know Braam Mong. Braam is a good guy. Sometimes good guys do bad things or make mistakes. This doesn’t make him a rubbish groundsman. There will be a lot of learnings for him. I might pop in here and have a word with him to see what he is seeing. You have to feel for the groundsmen too. He wants to get it right too… so the wicket might be over-prepared. Take it on the chin,” Conrad said.