Dean Elgar said he was “sad” South Africa would be sending a weakened team to play two Test matches in New Zealand in March. Photo: EPA/DAVE HUNT
Dean Elgar points to lack of experience for humiliating Australia defeat
Proteas captain Dean Elgar said their lack of experience was to blame for their innings and 182 run loss to Australia on Thursday.
Dean Elgar said he was “sad” South Africa would be sending a weakened team to play two Test matches in New Zealand in March. Photo: EPA/DAVE HUNT
Proteas captain Dean Elgar said their lack of experience was to blame for their innings and 182 run loss to Australia on Thursday.
ALSO READ | RUSSELL DOMINGO QUITS AS BANGLADESH COACH
South Africa were outplayed in all departments as the Baggy Greens secured a 2-0 series win after skittling the visitors for 204 in their second innings at the MCG.
Once again, the batting performance left a lot to be desired, with the second innings featuring two run outs and a number of soft dismissals.
It took a cameo knock of 19 from tailender Lungi Ngidi to avoid the Proteas being dismissed for under 200 for the eighth consecutive Test innings.
WATCH | ANRICH NORTJE RESPONDS TO SPIDERCAM INCIDENT
Speaking in a post-match interview on-field, Elgar pointed to the lack of experience in the batting line-up.
Dean Elgar looked ahead to Sydney
“Not easy at the moment, was a bit of a hammering that,” admitted a dejected Elgar, who’s scored 31 runs across his four innings on tour.
“We have to come up to speed to the intensity Test cricket deserves. We were good in periods, but it is not a lot. The inexperience is hitting us hard. We have lost a lot of batters in the last few years. There are opportunities for guys to make their spots their own, but the inexperience is hurting us.”
ALSO READ | DAVID WARNER’S MANAGER MAKES SHOCK NEW CLAIM ABOUT ‘SANDPAPER-GATE’
Looking ahead to the third and final Test in Sydney, starting on 4 January, Elgar insists there is still pride to play for.
“Lot to play for, lot to ride on,” he continued.
“2-1 sounds better than 3-0. We have not been up to speed and have to move on pretty quickly.”
While Elgar and his charges may be fueled by pride in the final Test, they should be fearful of an Australian outfit that has plenty to play for in Sydney.
They must win the match in order to stay in contention for the World Test Championship final.
ALSO READ | FARHAAN BEHARDIEN CALLS STUMPS ON PLAYING CAREER
