“If we start well and put our best foot forward and throw the first punch, we will put them under pressure,” said Proteas opening batsman, Dean Elgar, ahead of the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the Wanderers.

After scoring over 600 runs in the first innings of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Elgar cautioned: “We shouldn’t take the hard work of batting for granted.”

Facing a depleted attack will not be a regular occurrence, Elgar said and emphasized the importance of starting well with the bat.

Elgar also stated: “If we start well with the ball, we will put them under pressure.” “We didn’t throw the first punch in the first innings,” Elgar continued after Sri Lanka posted 396.

However, the bowling group has taken a lot of confidence from their performance in the second innings of the first Test match.

With that said, Elgar reiterated the bowling attack is still inexperienced, but remains optimistic after their practice session, referring to it as “Some of the best bowling I’ve seen in the nets.”

Kagiso Rabada, however, will not be considered for the 2nd Test.

From a batting perspective, Elgar said: “It was nice to have a lot of guys have good starts.” Having spent a significant period of time in the domestic circuit, Elgar was pleased to see his opening partner, Aiden Markram, get runs under his belt.

Similarly, he stated: “It was important for myself and Faf to put our hands up.” With the second Test match to be played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, Elgar was hopeful of playing on another good cricket wicket, seeing that Evan Flint has now taken over groundsman duties.

Offering insight on Quinton de Kock’s Test captaincy, Elgar said: “He’s very quiet.” However, “He’s a very passionate cricketer. You won’t see that from an outsider’s point of view.

“He’s quite an anxious guy in the change room when he can’t influence the game.”

Watch the full press conference: