LONDON: South Africa could make several changes to their squad for their litmus test against England in what captain Dean Elgar said would be a “World Cup final” for his country.
The three-game series is tied 1-1 after South Africa won the first Test by one set and 12 runs but were then beaten by one set and 85 runs in the second.
“We’re going into this test, it’s pretty much like a World Cup final for us. We’re going to go there with a result in mind and we have to do our best for that,” Elgar said during a press conference at The Oval. Wednesday.
Elgar said the weather will dictate whether they play with an all-out attack or three rapids and two spinners when the third and final Test begins at The Oval on Thursday, but predicted two or three roster changes.
The visitors have already been forced to make at least one change after Rassie van der Dussen was ruled out with a fractured finger.
South Africa’s poor performance in the second Test was unexpected given how they dominated the hosts in the opening encounter at Lord’s.
“I think a whole team is above that, we know it wasn’t one of our proudest moments,” Elgar added.
“You can’t stay pinned in Test cricket for too long, you have to really crack and focus on what’s next. We had a few days off where I’m pretty sure the guys got rid of that frustration.
While South Africa’s gamble to change tactics in the second Test at Old Trafford has backfired spectacularly, a return to a fast four-man bowling attack looks likely.
“Manchester were one of the tough ones when we opted for what we thought was best at the moment and for the team. Hopefully the right decision will be made (this time),” he said. added.
The previous two tests were decided in three days, and Elgar predicted that the last in the series would also be resolved quickly, depending on the weather.
“There will definitely be a winner in this, no doubt because of the styles of cricket both teams have played,” he said.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)