Dean Elgar rues lack of experience after losing MCG Test

Dean Elgar disappointed after the loss

South Africa Test Captain Dean Elgar admitted that the inexperience in batting has cost them the match and the series against Australia.   

Notably, Australia bowled out South Africa for 204 on Thursday to win the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground by an innings and 182 runs. With the win, the hosts took an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-match series. 

Earlier, Australia had taken a 386-run lead, after having declared their first innings at 575/8. Cameron Green bagged a five-wicket haul as South Africa were bundled out for 189 in the first innings. 

"The inexperience is hitting us hard. We have lost a lot of batters in the last few years. There are opportunities for the newcomers to come out, perform and stake a permanent claim in this batting group and make their spots their own, but inexperience is definitely hurting us at the moment."

The visitors have missed the services of their star batter Keegan Petersen on the ongoing tour of Australia. Notably, Petersen, the regular No.3 of Proteas, suffered a severe hamstring injury in the Cricket SA T20 Domestic Challenge and was ruled out of the Test series against Australia. 

Ryan Rickleton, who has been in prolific form back in South Africa, also opted out of the tour due to medical reasons relating to his injured ankle. Thus, the absence of key batters have affected South Africa severely on this tour. 

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