South Africa aims series win against injury-hit Sri Lanka

South Africa won in Pretoria last Tuesday to arrest a dismal run of eight defeats in its nine previous Tests and will be looking to complete a 2-0 series win.

Published : Jan 02, 2021 17:56 IST

Dean Elgar plays a shot during the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Super Sport Park Stadium in Pretoria.
Dean Elgar plays a shot during the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Super Sport Park Stadium in Pretoria.
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Dean Elgar plays a shot during the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Super Sport Park Stadium in Pretoria.

Ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, South Africa opener Dean Elgar opined that his side is confident after winning the opener by an innings and 45 runs but is not taking the injury-hampered opponent lightly.

South Africa scored 621 runs as it won in Pretoria last Tuesday to arrest a dismal run of eight defeats in its nine previous Tests and will be looking to complete a 2-0 series win when the second Test starts at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

 

"It was a convincing win for us, but we know there are a few red flags going into the second one. I think despite scoring 600-runs, we shouldn't take the hard work of batting for granted. It was a good effort, but we are aware we faced a bowling attack hit by injuries," Elgar told a news conference on Saturday.

Sri Lanka fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha both suffered groin injuries, depleting the visitors' attack and offering South Africa an opportunity for a lengthy stay at the crease.

 

"We know we've got to try and throw a first punch. We didn't do that in the first test, it was almost like we waited for them to make a plan and then put ourselves under a lot of pressure with them scoring nearly 400 runs in their first innings," Elgar said.

"Now we want to look to put them under pressure straight away. If we know if we put our best foot forward we can start to dictate the way the Test goes."

 

Elgar said South Africa was also mindful of the lack of experience in its own youthful bowling attack, but pleased with the progress.

"Our bowling in the second innings was a massive improvement from the first innings and we've had a lot of good conversations about that since the end of the first test," he added.

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