Dean Elgar hints at possible playing XI for Boxing Day Test 

Dean Elgar has a lot to ponder before the Boxing Day Test kicks off

As South Africa were forced to taste the dust by Australia at a controversial Brisbane pitch, it has left them to ruminate on how they could be making a comeback in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series.

Theunis de Bruyn, who last played a Test match against India in 2019, averages over 19 after 23 innings in the format. However, South Africa skipper Dean Elgar remarked on bringing him into the XI for the Boxing Day Test, citing his recent exploits that include an 88-run knock in the warm-up clash.

In another possibility, the Proteas could  go with four pacers and seven batters. However, they are likely to stick with Keshav Maharaj, who did not have much of a role to play as a spinner at The Gabba.

Here's what Elgar said:

"De Bruyn is obviously the next batter in. He has been in a great space. Because I am his teammate back home, I know he has got a lot of confidence. He scored runs back home and in the warm-up game as well which is great. I know he is a guy who you can bring in potentially who is going to give us that extra boost.

"The option of the seven batters and four bowlers was very much a talking point but I like having a specialist spinner. (Maharaj) gives us a lot of control and allows our seamers to get an extra break. All options are on the table going into the next one. You have to be open minded because you have to make the right decision for the specific game."

One-nil down in the series, South Africa will face Australia in the second Test, scheduled to begin from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Read More: ICC rates The Gabba pitch as 'below average'