Following South Africa's recent loss in the One Day International (ODI) series against India, head coach Shukri Conrad has addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier statement about wanting to make India "grovel" during the Test series. The remark, made after the fourth day of the second Test in Guwahati, drew immediate criticism and sparked debate due to its historical connotations.
Conrad's initial comment came after South Africa had dominated the second Test, putting India in a difficult position. He explained that the team's strategy was to keep India on their feet for extended periods, aiming to "bat them completely out the game and then say to them well come and survive on the last day and an hour this evening". However, it was his choice of the word "grovel" that ignited the controversy.
The term "grovel" carries a heavy historical weight in cricket, particularly concerning racial and colonial tensions. The reference harks back to 1976 when England captain Tony Greig used the same word before a Test series against the West Indies, declaring his intention to make them "grovel". Greig's comment was widely considered racially insensitive, and it fueled immense anger among West Indies players and fans.
Given this historical backdrop, Conrad's use of the word "grovel" was viewed by many as inappropriate, regardless of his intent. Cricket legends such as Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn voiced their disappointment, emphasizing that such language has no place in media interactions, especially considering the sensitivities involved. Kumble pointed out the historical context, reminding that similar words were used 50 years ago, and that it backfired.
In the wake of the ODI series loss, Conrad addressed the controversy, acknowledging that his choice of words was poor. While maintaining that he did not intend to cause malice, he admitted that "On reflection, it was never my intention to cause some malice. I could have chosen a better word". He also stated "One has to be careful about choosing the word. Being humble is the cornerstone of South African Test team".
Conrad's attempt to contextualize his statement by saying he was "stealing a phrase" did little to quell the criticism. The incident underscores the importance of being mindful of the historical and social implications of language, particularly in a sport with a complex past.
The coach's remarks stirred tensions in what had been a fairly amicable series. Whether or not Cricket South Africa will address the issue with Conrad remains to be seen, but the incident serves as a reminder of the power of words and the need for sensitivity in sports.
