South African goalkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne
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- Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt hopes his batting unit can get the job done and salvage the second Test against Australia.
- The Proteas trail by 371 runs and are 15-1 as they have to bat to salvage the three match Test series.
- Langeveldt says they’ll take it hour by hour as the Proteas look to pull off a miracle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt hopes his batsmen can deliver and bat over the next two days to salvage the second Test against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
On Wednesday, Australia dominated with the bat as Alex Carey scored his first Test century as the hosts declared 575-8.
The Proteas still need to chase a mammoth 371 run to put Australia back on, and they’ve already lost skipper, Dean Elgar, late on overcast day three.
South Africa sit at 15-1 with opener Sarel Erwee (7*) and Theunis de Bruyn (6*) ready to resume against an injury-plagued Australian pace attack.
The Proteas were pooled for 189 all out thanks to Cameron Green’s first five-wicket haul on the first day.
Despite a half-century from Marco Jansen and Kyle Verreynne, South Africa’s fragile batting line-up have failed to make a total of 200 in their last seven Test innings.
Langeveldt hopes that South Africa’s batting line-up can get the job done and save the team from a possible crushing defeat in the innings.
“It’s all about the time at bat, as I think we have to take it hour by hour,” Langeveldt said.
“I think on the fourth day, the first hour will be important, along with the ones that follow, from where we try to get runs while hitting.
“We’ll have to see how it goes from there and if we can hit two days, I think it’s going to be brilliant.”
READ | Langeveldt admits bowlers had ‘difficult’ MCG change, says exploding batting a group job
The Proteas bowlers worked hard from day one, as David Warner brought in a double century, along with Carey’s ton.
On Wednesday SA only managed to take five wickets, with their pace attack unable to use the cloudy conditions to their advantage.
Anrich Nortje was the attacking choice for Proteas, who worked hard on the pitch for a full day two, finishing with numbers of three for 92 from his 25 overs.
“We always talk about adaptability and then being able to adapt to the situation,” Langeveldt said.
“Sometimes the situation would say we need to get the ball to the goalie, shoot point balls and use the bouncer as a surprise delivery.
“Most of the time, it’s a decision on the field where the captain decides how the team pitches and the positions on the field.”
Game Day 4 begins at 01:00 SA time.
