India vs South Africa: Dean Elgar indicates changes for 2nd Test: After facing a defeat at their fortress and going down 0-1 in the three-match series, South Africa skipper Dean Elgar didn’t shy away from accepting that few changes need to be made for the second Test. While Kyle Verreynne will replace Q de Kock’s for the last two Tests, Elgar emphasised that a few more changes need to be made, especially in the batting order. Follow InsideSport.in for more updates
India vs South Africa: Disappointed & upset Proteas skipper Dean Elgar reveals, ‘we will be making changes in the XI for 2nd test’
While the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi & debutant Marco Jansen were right on top, it was South Africa’s batting that underfired and was the main cause for their 113 runs defeat at Centurion.
The opening issue: The Proteas failed to get off to a solid start with the bat in both innings & Elgar acknowledged the fact saying, “We are very mindful that as an opening pair we have to start well.”
Elgar and Markram haven’t scored more than 4 for the opening wicket for Proteas in the last six innings.
Shuffling Keegan Petersen down the order: Another batter that underperformed in the Centurion Test was the number 03 Keegan Petersen. Petersen’s highest score in the last six innings is 19 but the Proteas camp looks to give Petersen some more rope looking at the situations he has come to bat. “He has come to the crease in relatively tough situations,” said Elgar about Petersen.
“He’s had a rough start but it doesn’t reflect on him as a player. The stats at the moment don’t reflect his ability. I feel for him, he wants to make a play for us and is maybe a little bit anxious and as a leadership group we may have to give him a better opportunity to contribute from a run scoring perspective,” Elgar added giving an indication about moving Petersen down the order.
India vs South Africa: Disappointed & upset Proteas skipper Dean Elgar reveals, ‘we will be making changes in the XI for 2nd test’
Who will make way for Duanne Olivier? According to Proteas skipper, the debutant Marco Jansen was the “player of the game” for the home side. “He had a brilliant debut. He came into a really tough situation and didn’t shy away from his responsibilities,” said Elgar.
While this indicates, Jansen is likely to retain his spot for Johannesburg Test, it has to be seen who makes way for Duanne Olivier if match-fit. Olivier missed the Centurion Test due to Covid 19 recovery and a hamstring niggle during the two-day, inter-squad match at the start of the camp.
Olivier was set to take Anrich Nortje’s place but Jansen was handed a debut and he turned out impressive in his maiden appearance.
Will Wiaan Mulder get another game? Speaking about Wiaan Mulder who failed to contribute with the bat, Elgar says the team management will chat with him. “ He had a pretty good game with the ball, but obviously he is not living up to the standards that he expects of himself with the bat, which is something that we’ll chat to him about. In this environment, you must have those open conversations in order for the environment and individuals to grow.”
The second Test will be played in Johannesburg from January 03 and the Proteas camp has three-four days to rectify the mistakes of the Centurion loss. Johannesburg Test is a do-or-die for the home side as it will not only let Virat Kohli & Co win the series but also mark India’s first Test series win on South African soil.
India vs South Africa: Disappointed & upset Proteas skipper Dean Elgar reveals, ‘we will be making changes in the XI for 2nd test’
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