South Africa news: Dean Elgar elated with ‘very satisfying’ victory

South Africa captain Dean Elgar couldn’t hide his joy after his side bounced back and beat New Zealand by 227 runs in Christchurch to square the series at 1-1.
Few gave the Proteas a chance to turn the tables on the Black Caps after the visitors suffered a crushing defeat by an innings and 276 runs in the first Test last week.
Opting to choose to bat first in the second Test after being skittled twice in the first Test proved to be a remarkably gutsy decision, which is a common theme in Elgar’s captaincy.
But instead of capitulating like they did last week, twice the Proteas delivered assured performances on the back of centuries in either innings by Sarel Erwee and Kyle Verreynne.
“Very satisfying,” Elgar said after the match when asked about the quick turnaround in results.
“To see the guys bounce back shows a lot of character, growth and maturity.
“To get the win the way we did in the second Test was brilliant for us.”
Tactical decision to include spinner
Elgar also said his decision to bat first was a tactical one, which ultimately brought spinner Keshav Maharaj into the game as well.
“Visually the pitch did look a lot different to the first Test,” added the left-hander.
“It was not as green and there was a lot less grass. It did look a little bit like a bat-first wicket but I think because of what happened in the first Test the easy or soft decision would have been to bowl first after winning the toss.
“My nature and character as a leader is not to take the easy way out. My character is to run towards the pressure you are facing.
“Sometimes you have to make tough calls for your squad and it was nice to see the guys respond.
“The decision [to bat first] was about us trying to play a positive brand of cricket and playing on the front foot. Taking the easy way out does not sit well with me.
“We played Kesh, who is someone who has always been a banker for me and I know what I get from him when it comes to playing in a competitive nature.”
The playing squad will return to South Africa on Wednesday and is expected back in the country on Friday.
After a brief time off, they will start preparing for a home series against Bangladesh, which starts on March 18.
Latest
-
England
On this day in 2017: Sir Alastair Cook steps down as England Test captain
Cook’s 59 Tests in charge made him the nation’s longest-serving captain at the time.
-
England
Hoggard and Bresnan withdraw as ECB racism process ‘has failed everybody’
The case is due to be heard in public by a Cricket Discipline Commission panel at the start of next month.
-
England
ECB’s Azeem Rafiq racism investigation has ‘failed everyone’ – Matthew Hoggard
Ex-England player Hoggard has withdrawn his co-operation from the process.
-
County Cricket
Ex-England and Yorkshire seamer Matthew Hoggard pulls out of racism hearing
Hoggard was charged by the ECB in June.
-
Women's Cricket
Jon Lewis keen to take World Cup fight to dominant Australia
England open their campaign against the West Indies on February 11.
-
England
Jos Buttler understands ‘complicated’ decision for players to skip Bangladesh
Alex Hales, Sam Billings and Liam Dawson are among those missing the white-ball tour to play in the Pakistan Super League.
-
New Zealand
Kyle Jamieson returns to New Zealand fold for England Tests but Trent Boult out
Fast bowler Jamison has played for New Zealand since last summer.
-
England
Jos Buttler focusing on positives despite England’s series loss in South Africa
There were some standout performances in the series as Jason Roy, Dawid Malan and Buttler all made hundreds.
-
England
England hand Rehan Ahmed first white-ball call-up for tour of Bangladesh
Ahmed became England’s youngest men’s Test cricketer when he lined up against Pakistan in Karachi.
-
England
How are England’s prospects looking ahead of World Cup defence?
Twin defeats in Bloemfontein meant victory in Kimberley was a mere consolation for double world champions England.