Still have the hunger and drive: Dean Elgar wants to continue leading SA

Elgar had a poor outing against the Aussies [Source: Associated Press]

It has been a topsy-turvy one year for South Africa cricket under Dean Elgar. They started off well by winning series against India and Bangladesh, and a series draw against a formidable New Zealand side.

However, things turned from bad to worse when they lost back-to-back series against England and now Australia. They were saved by bad weather in the third Test at SCG against Australia when they were asked to follow-on after being bundled out for 255 in the first innings.

Despite the series loss, Elgar has not lost confidence in his side and continues to back them under tremendous pressure.

"After the second game those two words would have been a lot stronger but after showing a hell of a lot of fight and some really positive signs in this game, it is sitting a lot better with me. Maybe I have had a week to get over the hurt and embarrassment and maybe that's why it's a little bit easier to speak about now," Elgar said after the match.

The South African skipper is himself going through a rought patch. He mustered just 56 runs in three Tests against the Aussies and came under a lot of criticism. However, Elgar is still driven to lead the Proteas.

"We've got two (Tests) and then potentially a lot of time off for myself for some gully cricket. Then the pressure is off a little bit. But, I enjoy the pressure. 

If (I was) scoring runs now, it would have been a lot easier to say yes, but obviously you've got to go into it and ask yourself those questions and I have. I still have the hunger and drive, no doubt," he said.

With two more Test matches left for the Proteas in the WTC cycle, Elgar will be looking to get some form back.

Also Read: BBL 2022-23: Matt Critchley joins Melbourne Renegades