Jury out on whether NZ-SA series is fully-fledged international cricket – Conrad

South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has questioned whether the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand should be considered "fully-fledged international cricket," given the weakened squads on both sides.

The series is tied 2-2 ahead of Wednesday's decider in Christchurch. Only three players from South Africa's recent T20 World Cup squad and eight from New Zealand's are involved.

Conrad acknowledged the challenge of the post-World Cup tour: "It was always a tough one coming after a World Cup. A lot of people would be questioning the value of the series and why you would have it. I think we all did at some stage."

He did, however, highlight positives from emerging players like Connor Esterhuizen (125 runs in four innings), Nqobani Mokoena (3/26), and Prenelan Subrayen (2/13 on debut), crediting the SA20 for their readiness.

On the series' status, Conrad remarked: "Whether it is fully-fledged international cricket, I think the jury is out on that. Many people will have their opinions on it, but as soon as you pull on that Proteas jumper… you represent your country and you've got to try and make them proud."

The series has followed a contrasting pattern: New Zealand were bowled out for 91 in the first match, South Africa for 107 in the second, with the visitors leveling it with a gritty performance in the fourth game.

Conrad also wryly noted the reduced role of the toss in this series compared to their T20 World Cup semifinal loss to New Zealand in March, where losing the toss on a tricky Kolkata pitch heavily influenced their defeat.