Vindicated Conrad 'thrilled' in unleashing lion-hearted Coetzee: 'We're onto something good'

At the Wanderers

Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad's short tenure has been characterised by a few bold selection calls, but none will feel more vindicating than "unleashing" Gerald Coetzee.

Indeed, the 22-year-old quick's promotion was eye-catching, especially since it came at the expense of Lungi Ngidi, who's been a fixture and stalwart in South Africa's Test line-up.

A return of nine wickets at an average of 15.88 in the two-Test series against the West Indies (the second most behind Kagiso Rabada and Alzarri Joseph) would suggest that call was patently inspired.

"I'm thrilled. I always knew at some stage we had to - to keep coining the phrase - unleash Gerald," said Conrad in the aftermath of Saturday's 284-run victory here, who had used the exact phrase in the build-up to the series.

Coetzee had shown his array of skills throughout, but his spell on Saturday illustrated his spirit as he recovered from a difficult start - his first two overs went for 20 - to finish with figures of 3/37 in eight overs.  

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"The way he took on the mantle of being the leading quick with KG (Rabada) was notable. In Centurion, he bowled behind KG, Anrich (Nortje) and Marco (Jansen), which was probably the 'easier' role," said Conrad. 

"But here he stepped up. When I talked to him immediately after we wrapped things up, he was really disappointed in his performance. He truly felt he was better than that.

"If that's how the young man is going to react, we're definitely onto something good." 

Skipper Temba Bavuma shared that sentiment.

"I'm very excited. Our attack has always been one that has the potential to keep us in games. When those guys click, we