Much was made of South Africa’s run to the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

They played only 12 Tests – no team played fewer – and qualified after drawing at home against India and losing in New Zealand, before beating West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Mitigation for this latest Test also comes from the fact this is their first in almost a year and the majority of their batters played one domestic red-ball match to prepare.

Australia recently came off an eight-month break of their own and lost to Bangladesh in home conditions, as Conrad was keen to point out.

And last summer’s famous win over Australia and a 2-0 success in India proves they can beat the world’s top teams.

However, this Test only reinforced a worrying trend among South Africa’s batters.

Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton are fine white-ball players, but Stubbs’ two Test centuries have come against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and Rickelton’s against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

This was an obvious step up.

In the first innings, Stubbs, two overs after Wiaan Mulder had been bounced out, top-edged a pull to fine leg, and in the second he played a loose drive on one.

Opener Rickelton drove and edged at a wide ball late on day two and nicked through a pull in the fourth over on day four.

Similarly, Mulder scored 367 not out against Zimbabwe last year, but Bangladesh are the only other side he averages more than 30 against. His 110-ball stay for 29 on the final day before being strangled down the leg side was at least encouraging.

Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, in contrast, lasted only three balls before nudging Matt Renshaw’s part-time spin to slip. His Test average of 30.14 drops to 28 against Australia and 15 against both England and India.

Conrad said that “a few of the guys need to step up”.

“The real disappointment was the batting in the first dig on a really good wicket,” Conrad said.

“Yes, a world-class attack, but quite a few guys getting starts and not kicking on.”

Head coach Enzo Maresca has reacted to criticism of Manchester City‘s celebrations after their victory at Liverpool by saying: “What do you want us to do?”

Sunday’s match at Anfield was City’s first game after an independent commission found the club guilty of charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial rules.

After the 3-0 win, Erling Haaland looked close to tears in front of City’s fans – which included his father Alf-Inge – while Maresca pumped his fists in jubilation.

“Criticised for what?” replied Maresca when asked for his response to City’s celebrations being questioned by pundits and the media.

“We work every day to win games. It’s the only thing that we can think about and be focused on.

“The rest? It’s just things from outside that we need to deal with – but we were so, so, so happy on the pitch, and you cannot imagine inside the changing room.”

Maresca was speaking on Tuesday at a news conference before Wednesday’s Champions League game with European champions Paris St-Germain.

It will be City’s first match at home since the guilty verdict, which City have appealed against.

Captain Ruben Dias also defended the post-match celebrations at Anfield.

“I stand by the manager’s words,” said the centre-back. “It was a win at Anfield. It was a show of how much it means to us.”

Asked for his reaction to the guilty verdict, the Portugal defender added: “We are very calm and we trust the club.”

Pep Guardiola, who delivered 20 trophies during 10 years in charge before stepping aside at the end of last season, is expected to return to Etihad Stadium for the match.

“This has been his house for 10 years with what he has done here,” added Maresca. “It’s exciting for everyone, for the fans.”

It is not known whether Guardiola will address the fans or his former players before the game.

The Spaniard posted a message on social media after his former club were found guilty of financial breaches.

“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” he wrote.

“Let me be clear: we will get through this together.”