“There are 12 or 13 guys who can make up our starting eleven,” said Proteas skipper, Dean Elgar, ahead of South Africa’s second Test against New Zealand. 

Elgar hinted at potential changes in the playing XI for the second Test. 

“There are guys who are low on confidence, especially from a bat point of view. I think it’s very difficult to come and make a play from a debutant in the batting department.” Additionally, Elgar said, “Conditions, weather play a part.” 

South Africa’s batting has been the subject of considerable debate over the last couple of years. In particular, the inability of the batting group to score 300 regularly has left Elgar and the team management concerned.

“We haven’t done it on a consistent basis. It’s a headscratcher for myself, it’s a bit of a headscratcher for the coach. From my capacity, it is a little bit frustrating and disappointing.”

However, Elgar was optimistic, “Guys are one knock away from being in good form again.” 

Aiden Markram’s form has generated intense discussion over the last two series, particularly since he is averaging 9.70 in his last ten innings. 

“I’ve had a lot of tough conversations with him. I think he understands the situation he is in at the moment. His position is a bit vulnerable in the batting lineup.  He knows he needs to contribute for us.

“The conversations have been had. Now, I need him to return the favour as well.” 

South Africa’s fielding in the last Test match was uncharacteristically poor, with the team dropping seven catches.

Elgar was blunt in his assessment of that fielding performance, “At the end of the day, it’s not good enough. If we want to compete, win, and become world number one again, those kinds of things you can’t leave to chance.”