South African Captain Dean Elgar Says “History Is Not In Our Favor” Before Australia Test Series

On Friday, South Africa captain Dean Elgar said that his team was “salivating” at the prospect of facing Australia and conceded that there could be “feisty” moments in their first Test series since the “Sandpaper-gate” scandal. This will be the first series between the two countries since the scandal.

On Saturday, both teams will meet for the first time since the historic cheating scandal that occurred in 2018, when Australia attempted to change the ball with sandpaper in Cape Town. The match will take place in Brisbane.

It is the first match of a three-match series, and the hosts have an impressive record at the Gabba. Since 1988, they have only suffered a defeat at the Gabba once, and that was against India in 2021.

However, South Africa have a limited amount of experience playing at the fortress pitch, thus it does not pose a significant threat to Dean Elgar squad.

“We don’t have any filthy laundry when it comes to playing at the Gabba since we haven’t played here yet,” he added. “We don’t have any dirty laundry when it comes to playing at the Gabba.”

“It is fine for the history to not be on our side in this situation. It’s possible that the fact that we haven’t encountered any setbacks in this endeavour will work in our favour.

“We’ve been here for two weeks, and we’ve been drooling in anticipation of this moment ever since we arrived. We’re looking forward to getting going.”

The “Sandpaper-gate” scandal will certainly cast a pall over the Test match, as two of the most prominent players in the scandal, namely Steve Smith and David Warner, are both playing for Australia.

Dean Elgar stated that his squad had not discussed the incident and asserted that there were no lingering feelings of resentment.

“There will be moments no doubt when there will be a few heated encounters,” he added, “but hopefully it won’t reach the stage we had in 2018.” “There will be moments when there will be a few feisty encounters.”

“There are no grudges, but all of us, even them, want to win, and there will always be a time when the guys’ egos and the intensity of the situation get the best of them. On the other hand, I believe it will be easier to govern.”

Elgar acknowledged that bowling “is our strength” despite the fact that the batsmen for the tourists have been suffering as of late. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje lead one of the most threatening pace assaults in all of international cricket, and the tourists have one of the best.

On the other hand, he gave the impression that if he won the toss, he might put Australia in to bat first.

“In most cases, I believe it is best to bat first in Australia since getting runs on the board is so important. But we won’t come to a conclusion any time soon, “he stated that, adding that they had decided on a starting lineup, but they would not disclose it until the following day (Saturday).

“Everyone who is going to bat ought to stand up. I’ve never been one to avoid a controversial topic, and recently, this one has been revolving around our batting unit.

“It’s time for the boys to rise up, and it’s time for me personally to put my hand up and make a tremendous play for us,” he continued. “It’s time for me to put my hand up and make a massive play for us.”

“Having said that, our team is comprised of incredibly gifted individuals; but, they lack experience playing in test matches due to their youth. But that’s okay, because they don’t have a lot of baggage to carry about with them.”