South Africa have announced themselves with vigour in the Test series in England with brilliant innings win. It’s just the start Dean Elgar and his side have sought after dedicated preparation followed up with an aggressive, incisive display from the pace attack on an opening day. While it’s a strong achievement, the skipper has remained grounded all along.

“Everything has been a work in progress since I first became captain. I always felt that the core of the group had the fundamentals of a world-class Test side. These guys have risen as individuals in the last year to a year and a half. Everything happens for a reason, but I’d like to think that our foundation has been pretty solid and unique.”

“Our team goals aren’t unrealistic. They’re pretty achievable. But I know that we are a special bunch and we play bloody good cricket when we’re doing well. And long may it continue, as it’s been a wonderful journey so far.”

One thing that consistently stood out was the level of intensity right from the get-go. There were serious questions over Kagiso Rabada’s availability for this game, and he brushed aside any doubts with a tight opening spell. He would reap a substantial reward in yet another 5-wicket haul, which was instrumental in routing England for 165 in the first innings.

Combined with the persistence of Lungi Ngidi, the sheer pace of Anrich Nortje, and the left-arm angle of Marco Jansen, the pace quartet set the tone for what would be a match to savour.

The Proteas’ batting started off well, with Dean Elgar and Sarel Erwee laying down the platform. However, the form of Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen has been a concern for a while, and both couldn’t convert decent starts.

In fact, it took a couple of quick 40s from Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj to drag SA closer to the 300-run threshold.

“I think our batting was pretty solid, especially the middle to late order. They came out and played according to the situation to a T. And that’s exactly the kind of awareness I’m trying to create with the guys. They’ve got to identify these moments and play the game as they see it. That’s the kind of nature I want everyone to learn.”

Initial momentum can always be a psychological advantage, but Elgar placed greater emphasis on not getting too carried away, as there are two more games in store.

“It’s been a pretty special performance. We haven’t left a stone unturned so far, and hopefully, we won’t go into our comfort zone.

“We’re aware of what complacency can do in professional sport. But let’s enjoy these moments. We sold out Lord’s on a Friday, and it’s special for a lot of people who haven’t had an experience there.”

Elgar’s leadership was definitely a highlight during both of England’s innings. His assessment of individual battles inspired his bowling changes, and he made sure not to over bowl any of the pacers at any given time.

Interestingly enough, Keshav Maharaj’s left-arm spin was not needed in the first innings, but he was introduced very early in the second innings. He would trap Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope plumb in front, providing two useful breakthroughs.

“So we have four fast bowlers, with the third and fourth [Nortje and Jansen] being the fastest of them all. You still need to have a sound game plan, and the bowlers need to be aware of their roles and adapt to the situation. And there’s Kesh, who’s world-class. He just operates in his own zone, and it’s brilliant to have him in the team. It’s nice to have these luxuries, but it’s not a finished product by any means. I need us all to want to achieve more.”

The comments about drive and flexibility have been a common motif for the Proteas captain. Rather than getting on the field to prove a point, this team has taken the initiative and expressed themselves to a game-changing effect.

Elgar’s undaunted and outspoken demeanour has revitalized a side that was supposedly in a long transition phase.

Not only are all bases covered, but there’s plenty of enthusiasm to push even further ahead. The World Test Championship cycle is approaching the back end, and every win will be priceless.

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The article above is just one angle out of the full press conference. See what else Dean Elgar had to say below:

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