South African batsman Dean Elgar
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- Proteas Test captain Dean Elgar was happy with the way his charges responded to save the third and final Test.
- South Africa forced a draw against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground despite losing the series 2-0.
- Elgar said his fight was admirable after two crushing defeats in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Proteas Test captain Dean Elgar was pleased with the way the team responded to salvage the third Test against Australia in Sydney.
The Proteas may have been bowled out for 255 in the first innings in response to Australia’s 475/4, but they managed to make 106/2 to send the rain-affected Test to a draw.
Elgar wasn’t between the runs in both innings, but he praised his teammates, noting how they took to a pregame conversation about saving their pride and something of the series.
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The draw ended SA’s run of being involved in over 40 results-oriented games and ensured they snapped a four-match losing streak dating back to the Old Trafford defeat against England.
“We had a discussion in regards to how we would approach the day in terms of whether we were going to lie down and let the Aussies roll over us or go out and fight on day five because we knew we had a full day to play in,” Elgar said. .
“It was great to see how the guys responded to that and there was a lot of learning from that. The other side of the coin was that we could have finished for lunch, but that wouldn’t have sat well in our camp.”
“It was great to see how the guys responded in terms of our conversation and putting it into practice today.”
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Elgar said the draw also ensured they had some form of mental appreciation for themselves after their two disappointing defeats in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Elgar admitted that Australia could have dominated them, but that his team was able to get out of the difficult situation in Sydney made him happy.
“Hurt and shame work hand in hand right now,” Elgar said.
“It may be a little less now, especially after the second game, since after that game, those words would have been a little stronger.
“After showing some struggle and a lot of positive signs in this game, I feel a lot better, and I think I’ve had time to deal with the pain and shame.
“You also have to be honest because emotion is also part of our DNA as human beings and we are allowed to show it.”
