South African batsman Dean Elgar
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Proteas captain Dean Elgar said he was not in favor of playing with an extra batsman for the final Test against Australia in Sydney on Wednesday (01:30) because of the extra pressure it would put on SA’s four specialist bowlers.
“I’m still in favor of a six-five split, but all options are still on the table,” Elgar said Tuesday.
“It would be a massive call, a great question about four bowlers because they put up some big numbers in the last Test, a lot of overs.”
The early departure of number three Theunis de Bruyn from Australia for family reasons has left tour selectors with the option of withdrawing either Rassie van der Dussen or Heinrich Klaasen.
“Talk is cheap and we have to go out and act, make amends for what has happened so far,” said Elgar, who will finalize his team in Wednesday’s draw.
READ | Thoughtful Elgar offers no consolation for Proteas’ test future: ‘Many things are not in our favor’
Captain Pat Cummins said that Australia had decided on his team and indicated that they were leaning towards playing with two wheels.
Cummins said he would confirm his XI in Wednesday’s pre-match draw and highlighted the effects-friendly nature of the Sydney Cricket Ground ground and the fact that it could be an ideal entry into next month’s tour of India.
It raises the possibility of retired Ashton Agar partnering 458-wicket-taker Nathan Lyon in a double-twist attack on the SCG for the first time since 2017.
“I don’t think it’s the WACA (Perth) type pace bowling friendly wicket so we’ll see,” he told reporters.
“We had a pretty good look at the wicket yesterday, we just wanted to take another look today in 24 hours.
“He hasn’t really changed. He’s had a bit more grass removed from him. I know SCG historically is known for a bit of spin and I think that could be the case this week.”
Cummins’ sentiments indicate that Western Australian pacemaker Lance Morris, nicknamed the “Wild Thing”, could miss his debut in place of the injured Mitchell Starc in the final test in South Africa.
Cummins backed up speedsters Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland to support him on the new ball attack and make the most of any available reverse swing as the course becomes more abrasive from wear and tear.
“We’ll probably get more spin here. Our hitters are obviously going to get more spin here as well,” he said.
“Being captain here can be different from the last test matches. It’s a good preparation for India.
“It’s a great connection to India. I think with fast bowling, the reverse swing will come into play, which we can expect in India.”
Another possible option for the selectors was to bring in Matthew Renshaw to bolster the batting with Hazlewood or Boland breaking through.
There was a scare on the eve of the game when star hitter Steve Smith received a painful blow to his fingers during net practice.
Smith was seen recoiling in pain and throwing his gloves to the ground after being hit by a takedown from head coach Andrew McDonald. After a brief inspection of his hand, Smith continued to hit.
Cummins said he was not influenced by forecast rain showers during the early days of the Sydney test.
“The field is the main one. I think that in the last two years the weather has not been according to the forecast,” he said.
The Aussies have now wrapped up the three match series, having beaten the Proteas by an innings and 182 runs in Melbourne following a six wicket defeat in the opener in Brisbane in two days’ time.
