Speaking ahead of the series-deciding fifth T20I, Conrad acknowledged that the timing of the series – coming soon after the T20 World Cup and just before franchise leagues like the IPL and PSL – has contributed to both squads being understrength.

“I think it’s been an exciting series. Whether it is fully-fledged international cricket, I think the jury is out on that and many people will have their opinions on it,” he said. “But as soon as you pull on that Proteas jumper, and I’m sure the same for the Kiwis, you represent your country and you’ve got to try and make them proud.”

South Africa have only three members of their World Cup squad – Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Jason Smith – on this tour. Meanwhile, New Zealand had eight World Cup players available for the first three games, including regular captain Mitchell Santner, before their squad too was were thinned out.

With several leading players unavailable due to IPL and PSL commitments – which begin on March 28 and 26, respectively – Conrad conceded that opinions will remain divided about this tour.

“It was always a tough one coming after a World Cup,” he said. “It was never about the exit in the World Cup, but 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.”

Conrad did highlight one positive – a new generation of players stepping into the international arena for the first time. He pointed out that success in competitions such as the SA20 does not immediately equip players with the pressures of representing the national side. Only playing for the national side does.

“When you look at some of the younger guys, again, that have become household names in SA20, as soon as you expose them to international cricket, that there’s still a gap and there’s still a pressure and a scrutiny that they would never have experienced before, ” Conrad said.