SA vs IND, 1st Test: Dean Elgar lauds ‘massive effort’ from pace attack following huge win in Centurion

South Africa’s stand-in captain Dean Elgar lauded the effort of his pace attack following their huge win over India in the Boxing Day Test. South Africa beat India by an innings and 32 runs at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

SA vs IND, 1st Test Day 3 Scorecard

With this win, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, washing away India’s hopes on conquering their final frontier in Test cricket. India has never won a bi-lateral Test series in South Africa, having tried and failed on eight occasions in the past.

Speaking after their win in Centurion, Elgar lauded South Africa’s bowling attack for picking 20 wickets in just three days. South Africa bowled out India twice in three days, first for 245 runs and then for 131 runs.

“Pretty special for me, rather just smile than cry (this is his farewell series) and enjoy the moment. Contribute to this team is what I’ve always wanted to do. Hasn’t worked out sometimes, but it did here, massive effort to pick 20 wickets,” said Elgar.

He went on to say that it was juicy wicket, insisting that one has to ride the wave when it’s in your favour. Elgar, who is playing his farewell Test series, smashed 185 runs off 287 balls to guide his side to 408 runs in the first innings.

“It was a juicy wicket. Got to keep nice and simple, batting in Tests you have to simplify things. Focus on the ball, play nice and straight, play late. Wickets like that, one’s got your name on it, got to ride the wave when it’s in your favour. Good partnerships with Tony, David and Jansen,” Elgar added.

The 36-year-old heaped further praise on his bowling unit, saying Kagiso Rabda was amazing while adding that it was awesome to see Nandre Burger perform the way he did. Rabada picked a five-wicket haul in the first innings to become the seventh South Africa to claim 500 international wickets.

“You need fast bowlers and spinner potentially to take 20 wickets, need guys firing. KG was amazing, and a guy like Nandre just came to the fore. It was awesome to see his performances. Really great team performance going forward. Glad to leave here on a high,” said Elgar.

Following their win in Centurion, South Africa will gear up to take on India at the Wanderers Stadium in Cape Town on January 3.