"People abroad will be shouting that we had an easy draw" - South Africa coach retorts to criticism of WTC system after sealing berth in the final

South Africa red-ball coach Shukri Conrad has refused to apologize for maximizing a seemingly easy World Test Championship (WTC) schedule compared to other sides, to make it to the final of the competition. The Proteas confirmed their place in the final after securing a two-wicket win over Pakistan in the first Test at the Super Sport Park in Centurion on Sunday, December 29.

South Africa's WTC cycle included a total of 12 Tests, with none of their assignments lasting more than two matches. Their toughest assignments on paper were arguably against India at home, and New Zealand away, which they dealt with in the early stages of the cycle itself.

Three of their remaining four series came against Bangladesh, West Indies, and Pakistan, the three sides comprising the bottom portion of the WTC standings. Even their series against Sri Lanka was played at home, meaning that they had the home advantage to claim a 2-0 series whitewash.

The Proteas' schedule did not include matches against heavyweights like Australia and England or any challenging subcontinent campaigns, barring a tour of Bangladesh.

“We’re just thrilled that we can be at Lord’s next year. People abroad will be shouting that we had an easy draw. Well, I’m not going to apologize for that. I think the good thing about getting the results at home is that you play as a favorite. It’s easy to play as an underdog because you’re not expected to do it," Conrad said after South Africa's win in the Boxing Day Test (via The Roar).

South Africa had come close to qualifying for the final in the previous cycle, but a 0-2 series loss to Australia away from home proved costly. They ended with a win percentage of 55.56 from 15 matches, as India snuck through to claim the second place with a win percentage of 58.80.

"They’ve got to the final by beating pretty much nobody" - Michael Vaughan on South Africa's WTC campaign

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticized the WTC's structure, pointing out South Africa's relatively easy schedule compared to other teams. England, for instance, had to play 22 matches, almost twice that of South Africa, and were hit with massive deductions due to slow over-rate.

“If you look at South Africa, they’ve got to the final by beating pretty much nobody. I don’t understand the table, I don’t understand the system we have in place. They have beaten Pakistan at home, beaten Sri Lanka at home," Michael Vaughan told Fox Cricket (via The Roar).

"I am not against South Africa, but the system has allowed them to get to the final and they’ve drawn 1-1 against India at home and they haven’t played England or Australia – I just don’t like the system," he added

South Africa awaits their WTC final opponent, with the likes of India and Australia primarily in contention with a handful of matches remaining.