South Africa poised to change batting line-up as they return to the iconic MCG for Boxing Day Test
- Nasri Alexander
- 25 December 2022
Captain Dean Elgar has hinted that South Africa could make a change to their batting line-up ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne.
The Proteas were bundled put for totals of 152 and 99 as they fell to a six-wicket defeat in the first Test in Brisbane to go 1-0 down in the three-match series.
The tourists have been mulling changing the balance of their XI, maybe dropping one of the five bowlers to bring in an extra batter to make up a 7-4 split.
Elgar though dispelled those thoughts by confirming that the bowling attack, compromising four fast bowlers and a spinner, will remain intact but there could be a change of personnel to one of the five specialist batters.
The skipper was not willing to divulge any details, although middle-order batter Theunis de Bruyn has been tipped to come in.
Elgar said: "The little bit I can give away is our bowlers retain their spots. There's probably a change amongst the batters."
It will be the first time the current Proteas squad get to experience the unique atmosphere of the Boxing Day Test at the iconic MCG stadium, which can hold more than 80 000 spectators.
The last time the Proteas played in one of the biggest sporting occasions in Australia's calendar was back in 2008 when fast bowler Dale Steyn took 10 wickets and they beat the hosts by nine wickets en-route to a 2-1 Test series win.
"Personally it's one those (Boxing Test in Australia) that I watched as a young kid. We are all feeling pretty excited and the anticipation is quite big amongst our camp," Elgar said.
"It is obviously waters we've never been in before (as a squad) but another opportunity to experience something different. We can't wait to get going."
