He was delighted with the all-round effort from the nationwide staff, as South Africa prolonged their unbeaten file in opposition to India, however Proteas coach Shukri Conrad had particular praise for opening batter Dean Elgar this week.
The hosts coasted to a convincing victory by greater than an innings within the first of two Tests, which ended on day three in Centurion on Thursday, with the world’s top-ranked facet failing to win a five-day collection in SA for the primary time.”It’s large for us. We know what a top quality facet India is, however we additionally know what a top quality facet we’re, particularly at residence,” a delighted Conrad mentioned after the sport.
It was a spectacular all-round efficiency, with middle-order batter David Bedingham making 56 on debut, whereas Marco Jansen made 84 not out and returned 1/52. In addition, quick bowlers Kagiso Rabada and debutant Nandre Burger took seven wickets every in India’s two innings.
Elgar shines
Conrad, nevertheless, mentioned Elgar was “phenomenal”, with the 36-year-old opener hitting 185 runs. He batted for greater than seven hours in a single day, dealing with 287 deliveries in an innings which featured 28 boundaries, as he racked up his 14th profession century in his penultimate Test.
“There were great performances from the debutants (Burger and Bedingham), and KG (Rabada) was brilliant with the ball, but there was no more deserved Man-of-the-Match than Dean. The way he took everything on was simply fantastic,” Conrad mentioned.
Despite shedding captain Temba Bavuma because of damage, Conrad believed the Proteas may ship once more within the second and closing Test at Newlands (beginning on Wednesday) as the house facet appeared to wrap up a collection victory.
Bavuma left the sphere after choosing up a hamstring damage on the primary day of the opening Test and he didn’t bat in South Africa’s solely innings. It was confirmed after the match that he wouldn’t have the ability to lead the facet subsequent week.
Skipper changed
In his absence, Elgar was set to captain the nationwide facet within the closing match of his worldwide profession, whereas Bavuma was changed within the squad by Western Province batter Zubayr Hamza.
“I think the guys will really be up for it (at Newlands). There is a series to be won and series wins are special, especially against teams like India,” Conrad mentioned.
“We obviously also want to send Dean off properly, and that will just put the cherry on the cake for us.”
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