Dean Elgar and debutants get A grades from Proteas coach

Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad was delighted with the performance of Dean Elgar and debutants Nandre Burger and David Bedingham in a record-breaking win over India.

Dean Elgar and debutants earn Proteas coach’s plaudits

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Conrad feels that Elgar had extra motivation and took his dogged approach up a notch in a fantastically combative 185.

“Maybe the retirement decision had everything to do with the way he played… I thought Dean was phenomenal,” Conrad said.

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“I haven’t seen Dean play any better, I must be honest. Also, if you look at Dean’s record, he’s second to Graeme in terms of opening batters – that’s something to be really proud of.”

Along with Elgar’s outstanding effort, debutants David Bedingham (58 off 87 balls) and Nandré Burger (7/83 in the match) contributed significantly to South Africa’s 1-0 series lead.

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Both debutants are well-seasoned as First Class cricketers and their struggles to just reach this level appear to have inspired them to snatch their chance with both hands.

“The debutants were fantastic,” a proud Conrad commented.

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“I thought Nandré… that’s a massive performance today and the other day.

“David Bedingham, we drool over a lot of players internationally. Maybe it’s time we start drooling over our players.

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“I think David is someone we can drool over, and I’m talking about his expertise with the bat in hand.”

Newlands close to sold out

The Proteas coach expects a phenomenal atmosphere for the second and final Test of the series at Newlands, with tickets moving fast.

“Everybody is looking forward to the New Year’s Test. There hasn’t been one in a while where crowds were allowed in, and if rumours are to be believed, I think the first few days are pretty much sold out – and that’s all the lifting there is (needed),” said Conrad.

“Then obviously Dean’s swansong. Dean will captain the side. I think I must add, if there was this frosty relationship, he wouldn’t be captaining.

“I think the guys will really be up for it… there is a series to be won.

“Series wins are special, especially series wins against India, and then we can send Dean off properly – that would put the cherry on top for us.”