Dean Elgar has stated that the batting unit let South Africa down as they lost the first Test in Centurion by 113 runs, their first loss to an Asian nation in their fortress.
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South Africa suffered a crushing 113-run loss in their fortress of Centurion on Friday against India. The Indian cricket team became the first Asian nation to win a Test in Centurion. South Africa was bowled out for 197 and 191 in the Test. It was the third time since their international readmission that South Africa was bowled out for under 200 in both innings. They had been bowled out for 159 and 133 to Australia in Johannesburg in 2002. Prior to Centurion, India had bowled South Africa out for 194 and 177 in Johannesburg on the previous tour.
The lack of contributions from the batters put South Africa on the back foot right from the first innings. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj maintained relentless pressure and did not give away anything. Speaking in the post-match presentation, Dean Elgar stated that the failure of the batters was the major reason for their big loss.
“Our batters let us down. I’d say the batting was the difference between the two sides. We’ll have a little sit-down with myself and the management to strategize,” Elgar said.
Read | Mohammed Shami in elite list after 200th Test wicket in Centurion
India made a fantastic start thanks to KL Rahul’s brilliant century. The partnership of 117 he shared with Mayank Agarwal boosted India to a healthy total on a pitch that had something for the bowlers. The bowling on the first day, with the exception of Lungi Ngidi, was wayward. The likes of Marco Jansen struggled and were clearly nervous. Keshav Maharaj struggled to tackle the Indian batsmen. But, on day 2, Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada ushered in a collapse of 7/55 but the batters let them down.
“Indian openers did the fundamentals right. We didn’t quite execute the lengths well. After some good chats, our bowlers executed the lengths and restricted India to what we thought was a par score. A new ball is something you have to get through playing here. Can’t emphasize enough on the hard work our bowlers put in to get 20 wickets,” Elgar said.
South Africa is on the cusp of losing a series against India at home for the first time in their history. However, Elgar emphasized that all was not lost for the Proteas. “We’ll have a little sit-down with myself and the management to strategize. Didn’t do a lot of wrong things. Not all doom and gloom for us. We thrive under the pressure which is a positive for us,” Elgar stated.
